Cabinet ministers tell Keir Starmer to set RESIGNATION date with Wes Streeting 'poised for leadership bid'

PM left on cliff-edge after nightmare day of reckoning

Sir Keir Starmer has been left on a cliff-edge heading into tomorrow - and it appears he has failed his day of reckoning.

Dozens of Labour MPs - and now his ministers - are demanding he go, while Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham are all said to be lying in wait to strike.

The PM is vowing to fight on - but Cabinet will meet tomorrow for the first time since Labour's local elections bloodbath.

There, ministers are expected to tell the Prime Minister his position has become untenable.

Cabinet ministers tell Keir Starmer to quit as Wes Streeting 'poised for leadership bid'

Sir Keir Starmer has been told by at least three senior Cabinet ministers to consider setting out a timeline for his departure.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood put pressure on the Prime Minister to step down, sources have briefed a number of news outlets.

Sir Keir is expected to be confronted by even more members of his inner circle tomorrow.

The Cabinet will meet in the morning just hours after almost 80 MPs called on the Prime Minister to resign.

Four frontbench MPs have also quit as pressure mounts on Sir Keir.

The inclusion of allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting is fuelling speculation that the Ilford North MP is poised to launch his bid for Labour leader.

Mr Streeting could launch his bid to succeed Sir Keir as early as Tuesday.

Final local election outcomes confirmed as Birmingham Council declares last result 

The final results of last week's local elections have been announced as Birmingham City Council took 94 hours to declare its final results after the polls closed.

Results from all 136 council results are now declared.

Reform UK were the night's big winners, gaining 1,372 councillors and taking control of 14 councils.

To put that in context, the party won 30 per cent of the seats it contested - down from 42 per cent last year, but translating into far greater real-world gains.

The Greens gained 393 seats and control of five councils, while the Liberal Democrats picked up 142 seats and three councils.

Labour lost 1,229 seats and control of 37 councils, winning just 46 per cent of the seats it was defending.

The Conservatives fared better in relative terms, holding onto 65 per cent of their defended seats, though they still lost 433 councillors and eight councils.

FOURTH frontbencher to resign 

Cowdenbeath & Kirkcaldy MP Melanie Ward has resigned from her frontbench position as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Justice Secretary David Lammy.

In a statement published on X, she wrote: "So many of my constituents told me that they could not vote Labour as Keir Starmer remains Prime Minister.

"It is for this reason that I am today resigning as a PPS and calling for Keir Starmer to resign as Leader of the Labour Party and set out a rapid process for the election of a new leader and Prime Minister."

Steve Reed: 'Changing leader just leads to chaos'

Housing Secretary Steve Reed has appealed to the Labour Party to not repeat the mistakes of the Conservatives by changing leader amid calls for the Prime Minister to go.

He wrote on X: "Changing leader just leads to chaos. We saw what happened under the Tories. Let’s learn from their mistakes, not repeat them."

Another frontbencher resigns after Keir Starmer 'lost confidence of public' 

Gillingham & Rainham MP Naushabah Khan, Parliamentary Private Secretary for the Cabinet Office has resigned from her frontbench role as she calls "for new leadership" and a "clear change of direction".

In a statement posted on X, she said: "The message from last week's elections was clear: the Prime Minister has lost the confidence of the public.

"I did not enter politics to stand by while we fail. We need a clear change of direction now and no game playing.

"I am calling for new leadership, so that we can rebuild trust and deliver the better future that the British people voted for."

READ IN FULL: East Worthing & Shoreham MP Tom Rutland's resignation statement

The frontbench MP served as Parliamentary Private Secretary for Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds until today.

First frontbenchers to call for Keir Starmer's departure

East Worthing & Shoreham MP Tom Rutland and Hexham MP Joe Morris, who served as Parliamentary Private Secretaries (PPS) for Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds and Health Secretary Wes Streeting respectively, have stepped down from their frontbench roles after a loss in confidence in the Prime Minister.

Also, Sally Jameson, a PPS to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has also called for Sir Keir to resign.

Speaking to Sky News, she said: "It is with regret that I now feel that the Prime Minister should set out a clear timetable for his departure in September or shortly after."

Internal Labour party pressure group calls for Keir Starmer's 'timetable for departure'

Blue Labour, an internal pressure group, has weighed in on the debate over whether Sir Keir Starmer should resign, calling for him to "set out a timetable for his departure".

The group, publicly consists of eight Labour MPs, published a statement on X, writing: "It’s time for Keir Starmer to set out a timetable for his departure.

“Nothing has convinced us that he is able to rise to the challenge confronting this country.

“As the process unfolds, no candidate should be blocked from standing; the job is too important for factional warfare and NEC machinations.

“Labour must now navigate a very difficult transition to a new prime minister. It must avoid the danger of retreating back into its comfort zone in which it can pretend there are no hard choices and trade-offs in rebuilding the country.

“There is a hard road ahead. The people of our islands are looking for the light at the end of the tunnel.

“The next leader must have a clear programme of government and story to tell the British people about how we will get there.”

There were no signatures appending the statement.

Publicly identified Labour MPs who are members of Blue Labour are:

• Dan Carden, MP for Liverpool Walton (since 2017)
• Jonathan Brash, MP for Hartlepool (since 2024)
• Jonathan Hinder, MP for Pendle and Clitheroe (since 2024)
• David Smith, MP for North Northumberland (since 2024)
• Connor Naismith, MP for Crewe and Nantwich (since 2024)
• Shabana Mahmood, MP for Birmingham Ladywood (since 2010), Home Secretary (since 2025)
• Margaret Mullane, MP for Dagenham and Rainham (since 2024)
• Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston (since 2017)

Scottish First Minister: Keir Starmer's 'days in office are numbered'

John Swinney, Scotland's First Minister said that Sir Keir Starmer's days as Prime Minister are "numbered" and described his speech today as "underwhelming".

During a visit to Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, he said: “I think the Prime Minister’s days in office are numbered.

“I think today was just another of these underwhelming speeches that he makes that don’t actually advance the agenda of improving people’s lives.

“I think the election results on Thursday were the clearest evidence that the current Prime Minister has run out of road and I think it’s just a matter of time before he and the Labour Party work out exactly how he should leave office.”

John Swinney 'wouldn't co-operate or collaborate with Reform'

PICTURED: John Swinney speaking to a nurse at Western General Hospital in Edinburgh today | PA

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has said the public will "welcome" his "transparency" over efforts to block Reform UK in Holyrood.

Mr Swinney said he would be seeking talks with leaders of every other political party in Holyrood excluding Lord Malcolm Offord's party.

Speaking during a visit to the Western General Infirmary in Edinburgh, the SNP leader said: "I think I’ve just got to be clear with the public and just set it out the way it is.

“I think the public will welcome transparency and openness from the First Minister, making it clear that what I said during the election – that I wouldn’t co-operate or collaborate with Reform – is what I’m going to do after the election.

“There’s no surprise about it, there’s no news announcement that’s been made, I’m just setting out, today, what I’ve said before the election.”

Following Thursday's parliamentary elections in Scotland, the SNP took 58 seats, followed by Reform UK with 17 seats (previously holding none in Holyrood), Labour also won 17 seats (down four), then Scottish Green with 15, the Tories took 12 and the Liberal Democrats winning 10.

UK slaps 12 new sanctions on Iranians accused of planning attacks on Britain

The UK has slapped 12 new sanctions on Iranians who were accused of planning attacks on Britain.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office announced the latest sanctions this afternoon.

Those included involve alleged members and associates of what the Government described as Zindashti criminal network.

The sanctions also impact several exchange houses and financial operators.

Read Susanna Siddell's story here.

Lisa Nandy: Many Labour MPs and Cabinet would like PM to 'succeed' 

Lisa Nandy, Culture Secretary has said many Labour MPs and Cabinet members would like to see the Prime Minister "succeed".

Speaking to Sky news, she said that Sir Keir Starmer's speech today was "the right thing to have done in this moment to go out and acknowledge the mistakes that have been made, to acknowledge the role that he’s personally played in that and the frustration that is quite personal that has been levelled towards him”.

She continued to say she was working closely with Sir Keir to ensure he does "succeed" and that this was a view "reflected a cross a lot of the Cabinet and a lot of the Parliamentary Labour Party".

Ms Nandy concluded: “We’ve made mistakes in Government, that’s on all of us. It’s right to go out and own that, and he was able to point to successes as well in today’s speech.

“But the recognition that people have waited a long time for their lives to get better and easier, that the levels of frustration that we’ve been seeing on doorsteps the length and breadth of this country about needing a government that is prepared to take the steps that will genuinely turn their lives around, I think it’s absolutely right that he’s gone out and acknowledged that.”

Keir Starmer fails to calm bond market nerves as Britain's borrowing costs rise

Political turmoil inside Labour spilt into financial markets on Monday, with gilt yields rising after Sir Keir Starmer failed to calm bond‑market fears over a potential leadership challenge.

UK Government borrowing costs climbed as investors reacted to intensifying speculation over Starmer’s future.

The yield on 10‑year gilts rose 0.05 percentage points to 4.97 per cent, while 30‑year yields increased by more than five basis points to 5.64 per cent.

Bond investors have become increasingly concerned that a Labour leadership contest could unleash pressure for higher public spending and increased borrowing.

Yields had briefly eased on Friday after Starmer insisted he would “not walk away” following Labour’s bruising local election results. Last week, gilt yields touched 5.11 per cent, their highest level since 2008.

The market reaction came as Labour infighting deepened.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

'Wholly unserious!' Labour backbencher has publicly rebukes Catherine West's campaign against Keir Starmer

A Labour backbencher has publicly rebuked Catherine West's campaign seeking to pressure Sir Keir Starmer into announcing his departure from the party leadership.

Sean Woodcock, the MP for Banbury, responded critically after Ms West confirmed she was collecting signatures from colleagues to demand that the Prime Minister set out a timetable for a leadership contest in September.

The former minister had initially threatened to trigger an immediate leadership challenge over the weekend but has since softened her approach, instead circulating an email to the Parliamentary Labour Party this lunchtime requesting support for her push.

Woodcock dismissed the effort as "wholly unserious" in a reply he subsequently made public.

In his email to West, Woodcock acknowledged his own constituency had delivered disappointing results and described himself as "far from happy at where we find ourselves."

However, he argued forcefully against her approach: "This is not how the government of a major economy and nuclear power should be decided."

The Banbury MP concluded his message bluntly, writing: "Please stop."

His intervention comes as numerous Labour MPs have backed the Prime Minister to continue in his role, suggesting West's campaign may struggle to gain significant traction within the parliamentary party.

Tory MP tells GB News Keir Starmer 'may be in office, but not in power'

Conservative MP Neil Shastri-Hurst told GB News Keir Starmer "may be in office, but not in power" as his own party begins to turn on him.

The MP for Solihull West and Shirley told the People's Channel: "I thought the speech today, the Prime Minister didn't say anything new. He didn't say anything of any real substance.

"I didn't get a sense that he has the agility to change course.

He added: "We're almost up to 50 or so who have called on the Prime Minister either to go now or to set a timetable for him to go.

"And there's this real sense that you may be in office, but you're not in power. And once that happens, you're effectively a lame duck.

"I find it very difficult to see how the Prime Minister is going to survive this."

42 Labour MPs call on Keir Starmer resignation as number continues to grow 

The 42nd Labour MP has called on Sir Keir Starmer to step aside.

Markus Campbell-Savours, who previously rebelled over the family farm tax, claimed the Prime Minister's leadership "is not working."

He said: "I have listened carefully to the Prime Minister’s speech. Sir Keir Starmer is a decent, principled and kind man. But his leadership is not working, and it is with genuine regret that I say so.

"His position is now untenable. Colleagues should have the courage to say publicly what many have said privately for months.

"What the party needs now is leadership with a credible vision for the country, a clear sense of direction, purpose and ambition. Those skills exist within our ranks, and I am confident we can find a leader who has them."

​John Swinney opens door to 'cross-party co-operation' but rules out Reform

John Swinney has said a government he leads will "operate on a basis of cross-party co-operation", but not with Reform.

The First Minister said he would be seeking talks with the leaders of all political parties in Holyrood in a bid to foster better relations, but Malcolm Offord’s fledgling party would be snubbed.

Speaking as he wrote to the leaders of the four other parties in Holyrood, Mr Swinney said: "The SNP Government has been emphatically re-elected, but it is right that we now look to find common ground.

"I am, today, urging every party other than Reform UK to work openly and constructively with us in the national interest - and I give my assurance that my Government will operate on a basis of cross-party co-operation.

"But I have been very clear - we will have absolutely nothing to do with Reform UK.

"They have nothing to offer the people of Scotland, I fundamentally disagree with their values and many of those who have been elected to represent them have expressed reprehensible views.

"I said during the election campaign that we would lock them out of influence in the Scottish Parliament and that is exactly what I will do.

"Our focus will be delivering the manifesto on which we were so emphatically elected, and I look forward to working co-operatively with other parties on these plans."

Mr Swinney remains the First Minister, but faces a vote in Holyrood next week to officially re-elect him to the post, though he is not expected to face a great deal of difficulty in securing the required votes.

Influential head of Labour group joins calls for Keir Starmer to resign

Labour MP Chris Curtis, head of the influential Labour Growth Group of MPs, has joined calls for Keir Starmer to resign.

Mr Curtis told Sky News that he will be signing Catherine West's letter to the Prime Minister, setting out a timetable for a leadership election in September.

He said: I think the moment, the dramatic situation that we face, the geopolitical context, the fact that we had such a difficult economic inheritance does mean that we need more radical change than the Government has set out so far.

"I don’t think we saw a plan from the Prime Minister this morning in order to implement the kind of change that this country needs and I therefore think it is time for us to look for a new leadership.

"And I think what that means is the Prime Minister rightly setting out a timetable and an orderly process for a leadership election, and one in which Labour has a discussion about the vision for the country on what changes we think are needed in order to face the very real challenges that Britain currently changes."

Ms West has hatched a plan to find 81 Labour MPs to trigger an immediate contest.

The Backbencher argued Sir Keir's speech was "good, but doesn’t outweigh the results from last Thursday".

Nigel Farage and Zack Polanski branded 'snake oil salesmen' by Angela Rayner in keynote speech

Angela Rayner has branded Nigel Farage and Zack Polanski as "snake oil salesmen" and argued that Reform UK and the Green Party are "not parties for the working class".

The Labour MP said: "It is only Labour that can protect you at work, rebuild our estates, make sure that we have the council homes that we need, end no-fault evictions, bring down waiting lists and feed our kids."

She later added: "The fightback for the soul of this country.

"And we can only do that with our union family, our Labour family, fighting for the same cause. So, conference, let’s do it together."

Angela Rayner declares Andy Burnham 'should not have been blocked' in swipe at PM

Angela Rayner has launched a scathing attack on Keir Starmer, declaring Andy Burnham should "not have been blocked" from running for the Gorton and Denton by-election.

In a keynote speech to crowds in Bournemouth, Ms Rayner declared that it was a "mistake" that the Mayor of Greater Manchester was not allowed to stand as a candidate in the election.

The former Deputy Prime Minister said: "So let me be honest conference. We as a party have to do better than this. And we can only prove we mean our Labour values by putting the common interest ahead of factionalism.

"And we can start by accepting that Andy Burnham should never have been blocked. It was a mistake that the leadership of our party should put right."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Keir Starmer will be judged on actions not words, says Angela Rayner

Angela Rayner has doubled down, saying that Keir Starmer will be judged on his actions.

The former Deputy Prime Minister said: "The Prime Minister today acknowledged the frustration that was expressed last week. But we will be judged on actions and not just our words.

"I’m proud of our Labour values but they’re not enough if we do not have a plan to put them into practice.

"It’s no good acknowledging the mistakes if they’re not put right. So let me be honest, conference. We as a party have to do better than this.

"And we can only prove we mean our Labour values by putting the common interest ahead of factionalism.”

Angela Rayner launches attack on Sir Keir Starmer in keynote speech

Angela Rayner has attacked Sir Keir Starmer, saying his approach "isn’t working."

Ms Rayner said: "It’s been a bruising few days not just because of the politics but I did a Tough Mudder so if you’ve seen the bruises, it’s not because someone has tried to lamp me one.”

She added: "No matter what is happening on our TV screens or 100 miles up the road in Manchester, you have always been a powerful advocate for workers’ rights.

"This has not been an easy moment. Our party has suffered historic defeats.

"Many good Labour colleagues have lost their seats, people who gave everything for their communities that they represented and it’s clear that what we’re doing isn’t working and it’s need to change.

"As activists heard on the doorstep up and down the country, the cost of living is the top issue for voters of all parties. People have turned to populists and nationalists because we have not done enough to fix it."

The former Deputy Prime Minister has begun speaking at the Communication Workers Union conference in Bournemouth.

Labour-affiliated union brands Keir Starmer a 'failed captain' who 'must resign now'

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) is a long-standing affiliated union to the UK Labour Party, with the relationship dating back to 1910.

The union branded the Labour tenure as a "failing project", leaving the country "crying out for real change."

The general secretary said: "No amount of spin or resets can hide the truth: the public rejected Starmer at the ballot box on Thursday.

"We cannot keep sailing towards defeat. Either we change leader and direction now and begin rebuilding trust, or we sink with this failing project.

"MPs backing Starmer should think carefully about their own seats because voters already have. The trade unions cannot allow the ship to sink with its failed captain.

"The country is crying out for real change, not just another reset speech.

"Keir Starmer must resign now, and a leadership contest must begin immediately with the widest possible field of candidates."

'This morning’s speech was too little too late' - Catherine West continues to gather names of Labour MPs to oust Keir Starmer

Former minister Catherine West has said she is gathering the names of Labour MPs to call on Sir Keir Starmer to set a timetable for the election of a new leader in September.

The MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet admitted his speech was "good, but doesn’t outweigh the results from last Thursday".

The Backbencher has hatched a plan to find 81 Labour MPs to trigger an immediate contest.

Following the make-or-break speech, Ms West said: "I have listened to the prime minister's speech this morning.

"I welcome the renewed energy and ideas. However, I have reluctantly concluded that this morning’s speech was too little too late.

"The results last Thursday show that the prime minister has failed to inspire hope. What is best for the party and country now is for an orderly transition.

"I am hereby giving notice to No 10 that I am collecting names of Labour MPs to call on the prime minister to set a timetable for the election of a new leader in September.

"I want to thank everyone who has been in contact over the weekend to offer good wishes. We need our best top team in place to fight the next election. We owe working people up and down the country nothing less."

Zack Polanski falsely claimed to have worked for Ministry of Justice

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has admitted he falsely claimed to have worked for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

The London Assembly member said he worked inside the MoJ doing "actor roleplay work", having said during his successful leadership campaign he was "currently working at the Ministry of Justice on their training & diversity programmes".

However, the MoJ said they had no record of Mr Polanski ever working for the department.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

A second Labour MP turns on Keir Starmer following speech

A second Labour MP has turned on Sir Keir Starmer since his make-or-break speech that concluded roughly an hour ago.

Now, 45 backbenchers are calling on the Prime Minister to resign.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy, the Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, wrote on social media after the speech: "It is clear the PM does not have a credible plan.

"He must now set out a timetable for departure.

"But the process to replace him cannot be a coronation.

"Our next leader must be chosen in a real democratic contest. Otherwise we risk ending up right back where we started.”

Labour MP demands Keir Starmer resign as speech fails to convince own party

A Labour MP has demanded that Keir Starmer resign despite the Prime Minister's desperate address to save his position.

Sir Keir Starmer has taken responsibility for not walking away and vows he will not resign if a leadership challenge is launched.

Just minutes after the speech concluded, David Smith, the Labour MP for North Northumberland, echoed calls from fellow MPs for the Prime Minister to step down.

In a letter posted to social media, Mr Smith said: "If we are to make good on the promises that we made to the country in 2024 to tackle the cost of living, to deal with immigration fairly and effectively, to restore our national economy, to re-build our armed forces and to see the return of a more cohesive, hopeful society, then we cannot carry on with the approach we have taken in the first two years of this Labour government.

"I therefore believe that now is the time for the Prime Minister to set a clear timetable for his departure.

He later added: "And we need to rise to the challenges of our time.

"We need to act faster and be more radical in the solutions that we prescribe."

Mr Smith became the 44th backbencher to demand that the Prime Minister resign.

Jeremy Corbyn attacks Keir Starmer on 'big political decisions'

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has launched an attack on Sir Keir Starmer over "big political decisions" taken in the first two years of Labour's tenure.

Taking to social media, the leader of Your Party, which he co-founded with Zarah Sultana in July last year, criticised eight decisions made by the Prime Minister.

The MP for Islington North wrote: "The Prime Minister says his government has got 'the big political decisions right'.

"Let's go through them.

"The government chose to cut welfare so it could spend even more on weapons and war. The government chose to demonise the sick and disabled. The government chose to keep children in poverty until it was dragged kicking and screaming to finally scrap the two-child benefit cap.

"The government chose not to bring water into public ownership, not to tax wealth and not to implement rent controls. The government chose to arm Israel and participate in genocide. The government chose to let the US use British air bases for its war crimes in Iran.

"The government chose to let Palantir get its hands on our NHS. The government chose to scapegoat migrants and refugees for its own failures. Poverty, inequality and genocide. Those are the government's big decisions. And that is how this government will be remembered."

Keir Starmer slammed for 'desperate attempt to cling onto power' after make-or-break speech

Responding to Keir Starmer’s reset speech, John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "Taxpayers will see Keir Starmer’s speech for what it is: a desperate attempt to cling onto power and pull the wool over their eyes.

"Claiming to be on the side of working people after forcing businesses, farmers and families to endure repeated tax rises to pay for increased welfare spending only highlights how out of touch the prime minister really is.

"If he truly wants to turn the fortunes of this country around, he needs to focus on bringing down the ballooning benefits bill and the crushing tax burden."

Keir Starmer reveals discussions with ‘very good friend’ Angela Rayner

One of the hotly tipped names to launch a leadership challenge is Angela Rayner, and Sir Keir told reporters he has held talks with the former deputy PM.

The PM refused to divulge any details about the “many times” he has spoken to Ms Rayner over the past few weeks.

"We are friends, we get on very well. I am not going to go through each and every thing we discussed in those calls."

After Labour’s disastrous performance at the local elections, Ms Rayner publicly warned that Labour faces its "last chance", she also backed Andy Burnham to make a return to Westminster.

PM confirms he will fight any leadership contest as challengers circle

Sir Keir Starmer says he will not resign if a leadership challenge is launched.

Should a candidate accrue the required number of MP backers, the PM says he will take them on.

"I have my doubters”, he admitted.

"I had my doubters who said I could not change this party and win an election. I proved them wrong.

"When I did that, my doubters said, ‘you cannot lead us to a general election victory after the loss in 2019, it was so bad’, and I proved them wrong.

"And I will prove them wrong again."

Keir Starmer tells GB News’s Katherine Forster he was right to attack Nigel Farage over Brexit

GB News’s Chief Political Correspondent Katherine Forster asked Sir Keir Starmer whether he was right to raise Brexit once more and make it a key feature of his make-or-break speech.

Mr Farage’s promises regarding Brexit "all proved to be false… and he doesn’t take any responsibility", he said.

"He will talk about anything else apart from the one thing he delivered for the country, Brexit, he doesn’t want to talk about that, and there’s a reason for that, it’s because what he said wasn’t true.

"That’s why he doesn’t want to talk about it. We have to keep battling. We have to give this country a stronger economy, a stronger defence and security system.

"We have to bring Europe back together again and have Britain at the heart."

WATCH THE FULL CLIP HERE

Keir Starmer denies rift with Andy Burnham despite reports of leadership challenge

Keir Starmer has denied a rift with Andy Burnham despite reports of a leadership challenge from the Manchester Mayor.

Earlier this year, Mr Burnham applied to be the Labour Party candidate in the 2026 Gorton and Denton by-election, but his candidacy was blocked by the party's National Executive Committee.

The move was widely seen as a bid to fend off a potential leadership challenge.

The by-election was ultimately won by Hannah Spencer of the Green Party, whom Burnham previously beat in the 2024 mayoral election.

Sir Keir said: "In relation to Andy Burnham, obviously any future decision is for the NEC. Andy’s doing a great job as mayor in Manchester and I actually work really well with Andy.

"And I’ll give you two examples, on Northern Powerhouse rail which is really important for the north-west, we are working together on that project, but equally we’ve stood together to support Manchester and the community.

"When we had the terrible attack on a synagogue last year Andy was the first person I phoned and I went straight to Manchester to work with him on our response.

"So we work very well together but the actual decision will be one for the NEC."

‘Far-right agitators’ will be banned from attending Unite the Kingdom rally, Keir Starmer says

The Labour Government will block "far-right agitators” from attending a Unite the Kingdom rally in London this weekend, Sir Keir said in his speech.

The PM said the move is part of a "battle for the soul of our nation".

The Government has already blocked campaigners like MAGA influencer Joey Mannarino from entering the UK ahead of the march.

"I want to be crystal clear about how we will win, because we cannot win as a weaker version of Reform or the Greens", he said.

"We can only win as a stronger version of Labour. A mainstream party of power, not protest.

"I will never stop fighting for the decent, respectful, diverse country that I love."

"I will never give up on the hope we can unlock in this country, the hope of renters for security in their home, of workers for fairness at work, of public services freed from austerity.

"The hope of European solidarity, of community pride, of the people who paint over the graffiti that is racist, a country taking control of its future. Our spirit unchanged, our resolve unbroken, the hope of a country that can and will become a stronger, fairer Britain.

"That is the hope I’m fighting for, that is the hope we are fighting for, that is the Labour choice."

Keir Starmer vowed to put Britain "at the heart" of Europe as he ignores Brexiteers

Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to put Britain "at the heart" of Europe as he ignores Brexiteers.

The Prime Minister said: "At the next EU summit, I will set a new direction for Britain. The last government was defined by breaking our relationship with Europe.

"This Labour Government will be defined by repairing our relationship with Europe by putting Britain at the heart of Europe.

"Because standing shoulder to shoulder with the countries that most share our interests, our values and our enemies, that is the right choice for Britain, that is the Labour choice."

He added: "I want to remind you what Nigel Farage said about Brexit.

"He said it would make us richer, wrong, it made us poorer. He said it would reduce migration, wrong, migration went through the roof. He said it would make us more secure, wrong again, it made us weaker."

Sir Keir Starmer says British steel will be nationalised this week under new legislation

Legislation will arrive this week to nationalise British steel, the Prime Minister has confirmed.

Sir Keir Starmer said "we took control" of the situation and insists the Government will now save the ailing British industry as a result.

"We must bring that same urgency to everything now", he added.

His comments have already been criticised by Reform UK’s Richard Tice, who posted on X that "he [Sir Keir] and Labour wanted, and still want to shut the blast furnaces.

"Nigel [Farage] and I forced them to recall Parliament and step into kick out the Chinese firm, Jingle.

"Only Reform UK will invest in those blast furnaces to keep primary steel making capability in the UK."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Panicked PM lashes out at Nigel Farage after Reform’s historic success

Sir Keir Starmer shifted his attack line against his Reform UK counterpart by highlighting his push for Brexit.

He branded Nigel Farage "not just a grifter, but a chancer", saying he “took Britain for a ride” on Brexit.

The PM promises to put Britain back "at the heart of Europe”, which he says will mean a new youth mobility scheme to replace Erasmus.

Such a move could mean Britain is opened up to millions of youths across the continent.

'People are frustrated by the state of Britain' - Keir Starmer vows to prove doubters wrong

The Prime Minister said: "I know that people are frustrated by the state of Britain. Frustrated by politics, and some people frustrated with me.

"I know I have my doubters and I know I need to prove them wrong. And I will."

He added: "On growth, defence, Europe, energy - we need a bigger response than we anticipated in 2024 because these are not ordinary times.

"And this is a political challenge just as much as it is a policy challenge."

Keir Starmer blames 'crisis after crisis' for Britain’s woes

The Prime Minister appeared to shirk responsibility for Britain’s precarious financial position by suggesting years of crises have led the country to where it is now.

"This country has been buffeted by crisis after crisis. The 2008 financial crash, the Tory austerity that followed it”, he said.

"Brexit. Covid. The Ukraine war, on and on it goes. Our response is always the same.

"A desperate attempt to get back to the status quo. We must make this country stronger.

"Take control of our economic security, our energy security, our defence security and we must make this country fairer."

PM insists Labour remains the working people’s party

Sir Keir Starmer responded to suggestions that Labour is no longer working in the best interests of ordinary Britons.

The PM let out a passionate outcry as he insisted he remains "on the side of the working people, like my sister".

He continued: "Millions of people are held back because the status quo in this country does not work for them.

"I am fighting for them. We are fighting for them. I am their Prime Minister and this is their Government."

Keir Starmer: 'I take responsibility for not walking away'

Sir Keir Starmer claims that he would "never be forgiven” if he stepped down as Prime Minister.

Sir Keir said: "I take responsibility for not walking away, not plunging the country into chaos as the Tories did time and time again.

"Chaos that did lasting damage to this country.

"A Labour Government would never be forgiven for inflicting that on our country again."

Reform UK would lead Britain down a 'very dark path' - Keir Starmer

In what appears to be a barb at Reform UK, Sir Keir said Britain risks going down “a very dark path" should current political trends continue.

Nigel Farage’s party were overwhelmingly last week’s biggest winners, claiming an additional 1,451 council seats across the country.

The PM warned: "We are not just facing dangerous times, but dangerous opponents. Very dangerous opponents.

"This hurts not just because Labour has done badly, but if we don’t get this right, this country will go down a very dark path."

"I take responsibility for navigating us through a world that is more dangerous than at any other time in my life."

Keir Starmer takes responsibility for Labour’s dismal local election results

The Prime Minister opens his speech by taking responsibility for Labour’s dismal local election results.

The under-pressure PM said Labour’s crushing losses "were tough" as the party lost some "brilliant representatives”.

"I take responsibility, but it’s not just about taking responsibility for the results”, he said.

"It’s about taking responsibility to explain how, as a political and electoral force, we will be better and do better in the years and months ahead."

Keir Starmer has begins speaking as PM battles to save premiership 

Sir Keir Starmer has begun speaking in the London community centre.

GB News will provide updates throughout the address.

The Prime Minister is in desperate need of a political reset as scambles to stay in power.

After he finishes talking, Sir Keir will answer questions from the media.

Labour MP calls Keir Starmer to step down as pressure continues mounts

Labour MP Graham Stringer has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down following Labour's local elections wipeout.

Speaking to GB News, Mr Stringer said: "He's failed. I think he's tried his best.

"He's put a lot of energy into being prime minister. But I think after two years as prime minister, in six years as leader of the Labour Party, he's not convinced the British public.

"Canvassing in the local elections was not a happy experience.

"I've been canvassing for over half a century and I have never experienced such hostility to a Labour leader, even unpopular Labour leaders.

"It was in a category of its own, and I think if we want to win the next election, if we want to get the country back on its feet, if we want to save the Labour Party, then we have to have a new leader."

To trigger a leadership contest, a candidate would require the support of 81 Labour MPs.

'Keir Starmer will announce he is standing down this week', Journalist Dan Hodges has told GB News

Journalist Dan Hodges revealed on his official X account that a senior Cabinet figure explicitly told him they believe Keir Starmer will stand down within days.

He wrote on social media: "A cabinet minister has just told me they believe Keir Starmer will announce he is standing down this week, without the need for a contest. Only one Minister. But it's the first time I've heard it."

This internal pressure has reached a boiling point following Labour's catastrophic local election collapse last week and the compounding fallout from the Peter Mandelson vetting scandal.

Speaking to GB News, the columnist said: "I don't think it's likely today, but I do think the pressure has now reached such a level that at some point this week.

"Keir Starmer will have to make some sort of statement about his future.

"I think if you had to ask me, I would guess it would be something along the lines of some form of orderly transition, probably running into a timetable up to the Labour Party conference.

"I think it seems pretty obvious now that the pressure for him to go has reached such a crescendo that, at some point this week, as I say, he's going to have to announce he's standing down in some form."

Robert Jenrick brands Arts chief a 'crass moron' after 'comparing Reform voters to Nazi supporters'

Robert Jenrick has branded the chairman of the Southbank Centre as a "crass moron" after he faced accusations of drawing parallels between Reform UK voters and supporters of the Nazi regime.

Misan Harriman, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker who chairs London's largest arts venue, sparked controversy through an Instagram video posted in response to recent local election results.

In the footage, the photographer described Reform UK's growing electoral success as "a warning" whilst referencing historical discussions about the Third Reich's ascent to power.

The Southbank Centre chairman's remarks have drawn fierce criticism from Jewish organisations and senior political figures.

Robert Jenrick, Reform's Treasury spokesman, branded the comparison "disgusting".

He told the Daily Mail: "Comparing the millions who voted Reform on Thursday to the Nazis is disgusting. This crass moron should be nowhere near a taxpayer-funded organisation."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Kemi Badenoch is a really strong leader, says Tory MP Helen Whately

Helen Whatley has described her party leader, Kemi Badenoch, as really strong when grilled by GB News over whether the Conservative Party is fit for government.

The Conservative Party suffered severe losses in last week's local elections, dropping more than 430 council seats and losing control of eight councils.

The Tories lost absolute control of long-standing flagship local authorities, including Hampshire County Council, for the first time since 1997, alongside Suffolk and Norfolk.

Despite the seismic collapse in traditional Tory heartlands, Ms Whatley told the People's Channel: "What we have in Kemi (Badenoch) is a really strong leader and a really good leader, and she's principled, and she knows what she stands for, and people are seeing that in practice week after week in PMQs.

"People are watching that, seeing her hold the Prime Minister to account, and they can see what she stands for, and she recognises that people won't always agree with her, but they will know what they will get with her.

"People are seeing that. But what you're also seeing in practice is her leadership of the party.

"And then that will then follow for the party. And it's under her that she said, well, it's not just about holding the government to account, though. That is clearly what she's been doing very effectively. We also need a plan for Government.

"This is what we're setting out today. The first part of that plan, and the set of things that we would do as an alternative to the government, are alternative King's speech.

"We know this will take time for people, first of all, to forgive us, then to see that under new leadership we're changing, and then to want us in government.

'Labour Party is in chaos at the moment and Keir Starmer is on the ropes' - says Tory MP Helen Whately

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately has told GB News that the Prime Minister is "on the ropes" ahead of his make-or-break speech today.

The Tory MP said: "Clearly, the Labour Party is in chaos at the moment and Keir Starmer is on the ropes."

She added: "It is up to the Labour Party what they do about that.

"Meanwhile, the hard work we've also been doing is setting out an alternative plan for Government because whoever is in charge of the Labour Party next, they will face one of the same problems, which is that they came into Government without a plan.

"They just wanted power.

"They didn't know what they were going to do with it."

Britain’s housing benefits bill to hit record £38.8bn as Labour set to fall short on 300,000 building target

Britain’s housing benefits bill is forecast to reach a record £38.8billion in 2026-27 as soaring rents and a chronic shortage of homes force millions more people to rely on state support.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) forecasts show the figure will mark the highest level in real terms since records began in 1970.

Taxpayer spending on housing support is set to rise by a further £913million this year alone.

A record 5.95 million people across England, Wales and Scotland are expected to receive housing support this year, representing an increase of 1.2 million since 2019-20.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Keir Starmer to promise 'strength through fairness' in make or break speech

Sir Keir Starmer will vow to "face up to the big challenges" in a speech at 10am this morning, following a devastating set of election results that have plunged his leadership into crisis.

He now fights to save his premiership.

On Wednesday, the King’s Speech will set out his Government’s priorities for new laws in Parliament.

The Prime Minister will say: “To meet the challenges that our country faces, incremental change won’t cut it.

"On growth, defence, Europe, energy - we need a bigger response than we anticipated in 2024 because these are not ordinary times.

"Strength through fairness. It’s a core Labour argument. And you will see those values writ large in the King’s Speech. And you will see hope, urgency and exactly whose side we are on.”

Sir Keir has acknowledged the early part of his premiership was too gloomy, with ministers setting out the parlous state of the economy and public services they inherited without sufficiently highlighting plans to improve people’s lives.

He will say: "People need hope. We will face up to the big challenges and we will make the big arguments.”

Sir Keir will highlight his efforts to build new ties with Brussels, saying: “This Labour Government will be defined by rebuilding our relationship and by putting Britain at the heart of Europe. So that we are stronger on the economy, on trade, on defence, you name it.

"Because standing shoulder to shoulder with the countries that most share our interests, our values and our enemies – that is the right choice for Britain, that is the Labour choice."

Peter Kyle slams 'bad Brexit deal' as Labour struggle with economic growth

Peter Kyle has told GB News that Europe remains Britain's most important international partner and blamed Brexit for a "bad deal".

The Business and Trade Secretary said: "I think what people want is a more productive relationship from our international partners, the most important international partner for us, because, you know, almost half of the trade that we conduct as a country goes into the single market.

"So of course, all the barriers that have come up from the bad Brexit deal, we need to make sure that it's a more productive relationship.

"We have commitments in our manifesto, but we haven't touched the sides of what is possible with the EU, and of course, since Brexit, national resilience is a much more important issue to people across Britain.

"Economic growth is a far bigger issue than it has been in the past and a challenge to our country, but also defence... is now more prominent than it was in 2016 when people voted for Brexit.

"Now, all of these things we can do with the EU as we currently stand outside of the EU, but we must strain at the bit to make it a relationship that delivers from Britain, because at the moment, because of the bad Brexit deal that was delivered for us, there are barriers to people."

Labour must 'turn up the dial', says minister

Peter Kyle, Business and Trade Secretary, claimed that Labour must "turn up the dial" after the party's devastating local election performance.

The MP for Hove and Portslade said: "I think that our party is full of talent.

"Wes (Streeting) has done a fantastic job on the NHS. Rachel (Reeves) has done a great job in fixing the foundations of our economy.

"I like to think that I'm straining at the bit to make sure we can get a business set of policies, that it's unleashing the potential of British business.

"We are a Government which is trying and has done a huge amount since we came into office, but we recognise that all of us have now got to turn up the dial."

'It's YOUR party's fault!' Top Labour minister BOOED at rally against antisemitism

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden was jeered and booed as he spoke at a rally against antisemitism in London on Sunday.

Thousands of people had gathered outside Downing Street to protest following a month which has seen an explosion in antisemitic violence.

Protesters were waving Israeli flags, the Union Jack, Iranian protest flags and holding protest placards.

Some signs read: "British Jews deserve better", "where is Keir" and "Brits against antisemitism".

On stage, Mr McFadden said: "I come to speak for something, for freedom, for the freedom that marks us out as a great country."

This was met with a chorus of "shame", "it's your party's fault", "when will you act" and "Jew harmer" at the minister.

Trying to break through the boos, Mr McFadden said: "Friends, I hear you, I am with you, I am here to fight antisemitism."

IN-DEPTH: Read GB News' local elections roundup - insight into Labour's nationwide wipeout which sparked new demands for Keir Starmer to resign

Labour suffered catastrophic losses across the country in a dismal night of election results for Sir Keir Starmer, with Reform UK surging in councils and Wales falling to Plaid Cymru.

Sir Keir's position in No10 was placed under overwhelming pressure after an electoral mauling which saw Reform and Zack Polanski's Green Party making gains in some of Labour's heartlands.

However, the Prime Minister insisted he was "not going to walk away"...

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

What's Andy Burnham's plan?

Andy Burnham has not yet made any overt attempts at seizing power - but with Angela Rayner's backing, he could find a Labour MP willing to vacate their seat and allow him to stand for election.

When he tried earlier this year, he was blocked by Labour's ruling body, which claimed it didn't want to risk a potentially costly Manchester mayoral election.

Allies say he has a plan to return as an MP, with his team rumoured to have found an "impressive" candidate to replace him as Mayor.

If he were an MP, he could piggyback off Catherine West's threat of a vote of no confidence - but it would be weeks before a by-election, which he may not win.

Mr Burnham's backers have been trying to persuade Ms West to withdraw her challenge as it would not leave him enough time to return to Parliament.

"It's not gone to plan. This wasn't meant to benefit Wes," said one Burnham-backing MP.

Another said Ms West's intervention was chaotic and "like one of those free-running horses at the Grand National".

What's Wes Streeting's plan?

Wes Streeting, The Telegraph reports, is planning a leadership challenge based on the idea that only he can see off the "threat" of Reform UK.

Because of the local elections bloodbath - particularly in Tameside, in Angela Rayner's own backyard - Mr Streeting is said to believe the ex-Deputy PM is now more vulnerable to Reform.

Labour, on the other hand, held onto Mr Streeting's Redbridge Council.

An ally said: "This week has shown he can win. The results in Redbridge show that Wes can beat challengers on both the left and right.

"If there's a contest, the next leader of the Labour Party has to be someone who can keep Farage out of No10."

Mr Streeting's team is also reported to be drafting a leadership campaign, based on five "pillars", including specific policy ideas.

What's Angela Rayner's plan?

Yesterday, Angela Rayner issued an explosive attack on Sir Keir Starmer, urging him to allow Andy Burnham back into the Commons.

"What we are doing isn’t working, and it needs to change. This may be our last chance," the former Deputy Prime Minister said.

"The Labour Party must now live up to our name: we must be the party of working people," she added, before turning her fire on the appointment of Lord Mandelson, describing it as showing "a toxic culture of cronyism".

Ms Rayner publicly told the PM that blocking Mr Burnham was a "mistake", and urged him to "bring our best players into Parliament".

Her supporters, The Guardian reports, say she is not set on being a candidate but is "prepared for the possibility" of a leadership run.

What's Keir Starmer's plan?

Keir Starmer is set to promise that Labour will "put Britain at the heart of Europe" in a last-ditch speech as he clings on to his job.

The Prime Minister will deliver a major speech pledging comprehensive reforms to tackle Britain's most pressing issues.

The speech comes as Labour reels from catastrophic election results across England, Scotland and Wales, which have left the party haemorrhaging support to Nigel Farage's Reform UK and Zack Polanski's Green Party.

Sir Keir maintains his proposals will convey "hope, urgency and exactly whose side we are on" as he attempts to convince sceptical Labour MPs that he remains capable of reversing the party's fortunes.

The address launches what promises to be a pivotal week for his leadership, with backbenchers poised to back a challenge should he fail to deliver.

READ THE FULL STORY ON SIR KEIR'S SPEECH HERE

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