Labour MPs have been accused of plotting to block Angela Rayner's path to No10 as leadership rivals prepare to topple Sir Keir Starmer after the upcoming local elections.
The former Deputy Prime Minister, who is still being investigated for her tax dealings, is understood to be laying the groundwork for a leadership challenge against Sir Keir.
Sir Keir is expected to face the biggest test of his premiership on May 7, with a disastrous night at the polls expected to trigger a leadership vote.
However, a group of Labour MPs have expressed fears about Ms Rayner succeeding Sir Keir, warning the party risks "sleepwalking" into her premiership if she manages to rally support.
"A lot of us are saying 'anyone by Ange'," one minister told The Times.
Another Labour MP said there was a "big... 'anyone by Ange' sentiment".
Ms Rayner's critics within the Labour Party fear the ex-Housing Secretary would likely win the membership vote if she ended up in the top two spots in a leadership contest.
If in power, there are concerns Ms Rayner would shift the party to the left – including on immigration and spending.
Polling published this week revealed that only 15 per cent of Britons believe Ms Rayner would make a better leader than Sir Keir.
FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY…
Heroes in blue: Shadow Defence Minister praises officers after Golders Green attack
PICTURED: David Reed MP speaking to GB News this morning
Shadow Defence Minister David Reed has praised the two police officers who apprehended the suspect charged with multiple counts of attempted murder following stabbings in Golders Green.
Speaking to GB News, David Reed MP, said: "The word hero is bandied around far too often, but to show the courage and bravery that those two police officers showed - they weren't specialist counter-terrorism police officers, they were just regular bobbies."
He confirmed he would be writing to the relevant authorities to ensure the officers' bravery receives formal recognition.
David Reed: the Jewish community does not believe "enough is being done" to protect them
Speaking to GB News, Shadow Defence Minister David Reed said the Jewish community does not believe "enough is being done" by the Government to protect them.
He said: "Looking at the reaction that the Prime Minister received when he went to Golders Green is testament to the fact that the Jewish community, especially in that part of London, don't think enough is being done to protect them."
The Shadow Defence Minister called for the Met police to have the full powers in order to shut down protests that begin to incite violence.
He drew a firm line between peaceful protest and hate speech, warning that "when hate speech turns into physical violence and turns into terrorism, it needs to be stamped out as quickly as possible".
What is happening in Westminster today
Good morning, happy Friday from the GB News Politics team.
Today the country is waking up to the news that Somali-born British national Essa Suleiman has been charged with attempted murder after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green on Wednesday - we'll be hearing from Alex Davies Jones MP, Justice Minister just after 9am.
David Reed MP, Shadow Defence Minister will be joining GB News around 8am.
Three men, two Ukrainians and a Romanian national born in Ukraine, go on trial today charged with arson and conspiracy to commit arson over fires at properties and a car linked to Sir Keir Starmer.
England's Renters' Rights Act comes into force today, ending "no fault" Section 21 evictions, capping rent increases to once a year and shifting all private tenancies to rolling monthly contracts with two months' notice to quit.
The Tony Blair Institute has proposed scrapping the triple lock and replacing the state pension with a flexible "lifespan fund" that builds entitlement through work, caring and study, providing up to 20 years of support at current pension levels.
Stay tuned for more politics news throughout the day.