Sir Keir Starmer's allies have sounded a General Election alarm as Labour rebels throw their support behind ex-Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
A Labour figure told The Telegraph: “Presumably Angela Rayner, if she got elected, would have a completely different agenda.
“If you come in with a completely different agenda then the country legitimately says, ‘We didn’t vote for this’.
“And so what are the grounds for refusing a general election?
"You can claim constitutional grounds, but in the world of frenzied media, of TikTok, YouTube and GB News, is it really sustainable? It doesn’t feel sustainable to me."
A Cabinet Minister added: "The pressure for an election would be enormous."
Ms Rayner, who faces a hurdle over her taxes if she is to mount a challenge to Sir Keir, herself criticised Rishi Sunak for not calling a snap general election.
After the ex-Chancellor replaced Liz Truss in No10 in October 2022, Ms Rayner said: "The Tories have crowned Rishi Sunak without him saying a word about what he would do as PM.
"He has no mandate, no answers and no ideas. Nobody voted for this. The public deserve their say on Britain’s future through a General Election. It’s time for a fresh start with Labour."
Ex-Labour adviser tells GB News Sir Keir Starmer is 'a goner for sure' as she admits 'I can't defend him this time'
A former Labour special adviser has delivered a devastating verdict on Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership, declaring him "a goner for sure" as the party descends into what she calls a self-inflicted "psychodrama."
Speaking to GB News, Jo Phillips who served as a senior press office figure for the party admitted that even Mr Starmer’s most loyal supporters are finding it impossible to defend him following a week of explosive revelations.
Sir Keir is under mounting pressure to shake up his No10 operation in light of the Lord Mandelson scandal.
Zack Polanski takes aim at 'disgraceful' Wes Streeting and 'worse than stupid' Rachel Reeves
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has accused Wes Streeting of "throwing the trans community under the bus" as he hit out at the Health Secretary.
Mr Polanski told the Evening Standard: "Wes Streeting is attacking me every day on social media because I’m another gay man in politics who is not willing to throw the trans community under the bus and that exposes his abject immorality.
"He must know what it’s like to be othered but he’s more bothered about power than protecting the other. It’s disgraceful."
The London Assembly Member also described Chancellor Rachel Reeves as being "worse than stupid."
He said: "Whether you’re talking about hospitality, journalism, entertainment, health education, there is a pattern of Labour favouring big business, multimillionaires and billionaires and screwing over small and medium businesses, which is why I talk a lot about the 99 per cent versus the one per cent."
The full list of areas open to putting asylum seekers in new council houses - Is yours one of them?
EXCLUSIVEAround 20 local councils have confirmed they expressed an interest in participating in a £500million Home Office scheme to place asylum seekers in newly revamped council houses.
The People’s Channel has approached all 380 local authorities across the United Kingdom to grill council bosses on their responses to offers from the Home Office to join the controversial housebuilding programme.
Our Assistant News Editor Jack Walters has the scoop here.
Former Liberal Democrat Chief Executive has whip suspended
Liberal Democrat peer Lord Rennard has had the whip suspended in the House of Lords.
A party spokesman told GB News: "Rennard has had the Liberal Democrat whip suspended in the House of Lords and the party is conducting a new investigation into these allegations.
"The party has now received legal advice that the 2013 investigation into allegations against Rennard was flawed in several respects.
"Ed Davey has made clear he believes Rennard should not be a member of the House of Lords and that it should be made easier for peers to be expelled from the Lords for serious misconduct."
Key ally of Keir Starmer says the scandal is 'survivable'
Sir Keir Starmer's biographer believes it’s going to be tough for the PM to battle on, but says it "can be survivable."
He told Politico: "It can be survivable, that’s not to say it will be. Politics is very uncertain and very febrile and anyone who says they’re sure they know what’s going to happen next is unwise,
"What can he do to make it more likely he survives? The short answer is there’s no magic bullet. There’s no 'with one bound he was free'.
"It’s getting his head down, trying to do the right thing, keep talking about the issues which matter to people in the country rather than obsess journalists in Westminster."
Inside Keir Starmer's last ditch attempt to win back Labour MPs
Sir Keir Starmer invited a number of his own MPs to his Chequers retreat in a last ditch attempt to prevent them from turning against him.
One who was at the reception last night told Politico the PM insisted to the room he "had been grievously lied to" about the Peter Mandelson scandal.
However, they added: "Many people felt this was a line that couldn’t stand much scrutiny [because] if the Government wanted to, they could have got more information from the US."
Another who was there said: "I do think most people think his days are numbered...It’s more who [will replace him] rather than when, I suppose."
WATCH: Zia Yusuf tears into Keir Starmer's 'cold-blooded' leadership as Reform UK warns of political calamity
Reform moves to second in Scotland as SNP maintains lead in latest Holyrood polling
A new poll puts Reform UK in second place ahead of the Holyrood election, behind the SNP.
The survey released by More in Common shows the SNP is in the lead with 35 per cent of the vote in the constituency part of the ballot, with Reform on 19 per cent.
Labour is in third place just behind on 18 per cent, with the Conservatives on 11 per cent and the Greens polling five per cent.
Malcolm Offord, leader of Reform UK Scotland, has declared the May election will be a two-horse race.
He said: "Reform UK Scotland represents hardworking Scots who believe that their efforts should be valued, rewarded, and want better outcomes for their families and communities. Our message is clear, consistent, and gaining momentum.
"We are reaching people who know Scotland can do better. This is their moment to demand change, restore ambition, and put Scotland back on a path to prosperity and pride once again."
SNP MSP Paul McLennan said: "All polls show that people in Scotland are putting their faith in the SNP as the only party which offers trusted leadership and puts their priorities first.
"It’s no surprise that voters have lost faith in a Labour Party which has been engulfed in constant chaos and has consistently let Scotland down with nothing but broken promises since Keir Starmer came to power.
"Under John Swinney’s trusted leadership, the SNP is relentlessly focused on Scotland’s NHS and the cost-of-living crisis, while offering people hope through a fresh start with independence, only a vote for the SNP in May can secure that future."
Police search two properties linked to Lord Mandelson
Police search Lord Mandelson's homes | PA
Police officers have searched two properties belonging to Lord Mandelson as part of Scotland Yard's investigation into misconduct in public office.
The Metropolitan Police's deputy assistant commissioner Hayley Sewart said: "I can confirm that officers from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime team are in the process of carrying out search warrants at two addresses, one in the Wiltshire area, and another in the Camden area.
"The searches are related to an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office offences, involving a 72-year-old man. He has not been arrested and enquiries are ongoing."
Labour MPs in public clash on future of Morgan McSweeney
Labour MPs have clashed on social media over the future of under fire Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney.
North Durham MP Luke Akehurst said: "I'm not sure Morgan McSweeney should lose much sleep over this small collection of my PLP colleagues, all policy rebels on various issues, calling for his departure.”
"The same names repeatedly take the opportunity to share their hot takes with the media."
Kingston upon Hull East MP Karl Turner was quick to respond, saying: "I don’t think McSweeney will give a monkeys, Luke. But our PM should. And so should you. We aren’t some sort of fast food franchise. We are the Labour Party.
"Getting clever like this about those of us that have got the bottle to speak says more about you than it does about me."
WATCH: Matt Vickers says Keir Starmer has 'got to go' amid Lord Mandelson scandal
Labour MPs demand u-turn over Waspi compensation
Over 50 Labour MPs have urged the Government to reconsider its decision not to pay compensation to so-called Waspi women in the latest sign of backbench unrest.
They were among 92 parliamentarians who signed a letter co-ordinated by Labour MP for Salford Rebecca Long-Bailey saying it was the "wrong decision" not to award compensation to women over pension age changes.
The letter said: "We collectively represent millions of women born in the 1950s and express our grave disappointment that the Government has once again chosen to reject compensation for the 1950s women affected by state pension age changes.
"This was the wrong decision, but you have the opportunity to put this right."
The letter was also signed by MPs from other parties including the SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats.
A report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman had suggested compensation ranging between £1,000 and £2,950 could be appropriate for each of those affected by how state pension changes had been communicated.
Parliament revamp will cost each taxpayer £1k if MPs refuse to leave House
Restoring Parliament could cost taxpayers over £1,000 each and drag on for six decades if MPs refuse to vacate during the works.
MPs and peers have been presented with options for the renovation works, which will determine the cost of the project.
The "full decant" would see both houses move out the Palace of Westminster while the makeover is underway, costing up to £15.6billion, including inflation, and taking between 19 to 24 years to complete.
The second option however would allow parliamentarians to stay put, with the works carried out in stages for as long as 61 years and costing up to £39.2billion.
Labour MP demands Keir Starmer RESIGNS
A Labour MP has demanded Sir Keir Starmer resigns as Prime Minister, as he calls for a "renewal" of the party.
Speaking to the BBC, Neil Duncan-Jordan MP said: "We can't just keep going on like this - lurching from one crisis to the next.
"One of the best ways of resetting is to have a renewal of the Labour Party, to restart our offer to the British public, and that means changing who's in charge."
He added: "We are losing the trust and the confidence of the British people, which is very hard won and very easily given away, and we have to address that.
"The Labour party needs to change and that includes the Number 10 operation in its entirety, in my view."
He said his "preferred option" would be to see Andy Burnham become leader, claiming: "The Labour leadership prevented him from having that opportunity."
Emmanuel Macron wants Britain to pay £2bn to join EU plan to arm Ukraine
France’s President Emmanuel Macron wants Britain to pay up to £2billion to enter the European Union’s plan to further arm Ukraine.
Discussions between European nations and Britain are about to commence in Brussels over a €90billion (£78billion) loan to Ukraine after the EU agreed in principle to allow UK arms companies to be awarded contracts from the war chest.
Under the plans, Britain will be offered the opportunity to be considered as an EU member, if Sir Keir Starmer agrees to pay the fee.
France was said to have suggested the fee should be 10 and 12 per cent of the entire loan the UK will pay, which is estimated to be £21billion over seven years.
WATCH: Christopher Hope discusses potential Angela Rayner challenge on Keir Starmer
Peter Mandelson's lobbying firm cuts all ties with former Labour peer
The lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson has cut all ties with the former Labour peer, and announced the exit of its former boss.
Global Counsel said Lord Mandelson no longer has a stake in the business nor any influence over it, while Mr Wegg-Prosser said he was stepping down as it was "time to draw a line" between the firm and the "actions" of Mandelson.
Chairman Archie Norman said: "With the completion of this process today, Peter Mandelson no longer has any shareholding, role or association with Global Counsel and has no influence over the firm in any capacity."
Mr Wegg-Prosser has been replaced as head of the firm by Managing Director Rebecca Park.
Lord Mandelson co-founded the London-based firm with Mr Wegg-Prosser in 2010 after Labour lost the general election.
PM supports McSweeney but insists security services 'are not being blamed'
Downing Street has said Sir Keir Starmer still has confidence in under-fire Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney, and insisted security services "are not being blamed" for the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
During his apology yesterday, the Prime Minister told reporters that security vetting processes "need to be looked at again", adding "had I known then what I know now, I'd never have appointed him, in the first place."
This led to accusations he was looking to blame the security services for the appointment, however a No10 spokesman today said security services "are not being blamed."
"The PM yesterday talked about the general question of the checks conducted on Mandelson, and he has concerns about what that process covered," the spokesman added.
And despite Labour MPs calling on Sir Keir to sack his Chief of Staff, the spokesman confirmed the PM's full confidence remains in Mr McSweeney.
Rachel Reeves's salary sacrifice pension changes could hit millions more British workers
Millions more workers could see their wages squeezed under Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ planned overhaul of salary sacrifice pension schemes than previously indicated.
Many companies are likely to respond to the Budget measure by reducing wages across their entire workforce as they seek to absorb higher national insurance costs linked to pension contributions.
The assessment comes following the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) report published on Thursday.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) previously stated in December that 4.3 million of the 7.7 million people using salary sacrifice schemes would be "fully protected" because national insurance would only apply to pension contributions exceeding £2,000 annually.
Reform surges to victory in by-election after announcing new Welsh party leader
Nigel Farage has claimed a key by-election win after announcing his party's new leader in Wales.
Reform UK topped the poll in the Ynys Gybi (Ynys Môn) by-election on Thursday in the Isle of Anglesey, Wales, overturning a Plaid Cymru seat.
Reacting to the win, Reform's deputy leader, Richard Tice, said: "Huge WIN for Reform in Wales Gain from Plaid Cymru, in their Leader’s seat.
"Wales wants Reform UK."
The full results are:
- Reform: 43.9 per cent
- Plaid Cymru: 25 per cent
- Labour: 12.5 per cent
- Greens: 8.6 per cent
- Conservatives: 8.2 per cent
- Independent: 1.9 per cent
Keir Starmer 'has got to go' after 'completely unacceptable' handling of Peter Mandelson scandal, says Tory MP
'There needs to be accountability,' says Labour MSP
A Labour MSP has demanded "accountability" in the party, after the Peter Mandelson scandal this week.
Monica Lennon told the BBC there will be "soul-searching" within Labour over the weekend, after tumultuous period for Sir Keir Starmer's party.
"It’s not what anyone in the Labour party wants to be talking about right now," she said, adding that just mentioning Mandelson’s name "makes my skin crawl", accusing him of abusing his position and public trust.
"The good work the government is doing has been completely overshadowed by these scandals.
"I think there will be a lot of soul-searching over the weekend. The Prime Minister clearly is distressed by the events and he is pointing fingers at Peter Mandelson, but there are questions for everyone at the top of government.
"It can’t just be someone steps down from a role, or there’s an apology, there needs to be accountability."
WATCH IN FULL: Home Office Minister grilled on Keir Starmer's appointment of Peter Mandelson
'Disappointing!' Sadiq Khan REFUSES to back bus driver sacked after stopping thief
Sir Sadiq Khan has been urged to break his silence and back the bus driver who was sacked after stopping a thief.
The London Assembly passed a unanimous motion yesterday praising Mark Hehir - who was sacked in 2024 after knocking out a man who stole a passenger’s necklace.
While the motion is non-binding, it piles pressure on the London Mayor - who is yet to comment on the case.
The leader of the Conservatives in the London Assembly, Susan Hall, has supported Mr Hehir and met him during his visit to Parliament this week.
Secret Peter Mandelson comments could be 'damaging' for US relations, officials fear
Peter Mandelson comments that are set to be disclosed by the Government could be "damaging" to the relationship between the UK and Donald Trump, Whitehall officials fear.
Sir Keir Starmer is set to publish documents relating to the former Labour peer's appointment as US ambassador in 2024.
It is unknown exactly what will be published, but it may include messages from Mandelson to Downing Street officials, and some are worried they may include comments about the US President.
One of the officials told Politico there is "lots which could be damaging" and "he [Mandelson] used to download his thoughts in real time."
Labour MP calls for Morgan McSweeney to leave No10: 'There’s a lot of anger!'
A Labour MP has called for Sir Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, to leave Downing Street after the Peter Mandelson scandal.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister apologised for believing Lord Mandelson's "lies" and appointing him as the UK's ambassador to the US.
Simon Opher, MP for Stroud, this morning called for a "clearout" at No10, including Mr McSweeney.
"There’s a lot of anger amongst Labour MPs, because really we want to, I mean, yesterday, I want to be talking about the cancer care plan, not about Peter Mandelson," Mr Opher told the BBC.
"So I think what we need to do, I think what needs to really happen, Keir Starmer needs to change his advisers in No10, I think he’s been badly advised, and he’s been really let down, particularly on this decision.
"I know in politics, we really rely on people to sort of cover our backs, our advisors, and I think they patently haven’t done this with Peter Mandelson, and I think so we need a bit of a clear out really at No10."
When pressed whether this meant Mr McSweeney leaving, Mr Opher replied: "I think so yes".
"If my chief of staff had done this I think he would be looking for another job to be honest," he added.
In the capital... Sadiq Khan REFUSES to back bus driver sacked after stopping thief
Sir Sadiq Khan has been urged to break his silence and back the bus driver who was sacked after stopping a thief.
The London Assembly passed a unanimous motion yesterday praising Mark Hehir - who was sacked in 2024 after knocking out a man who stole a passenger’s necklace.
While the motion is non-binding, it piles pressure on the London Mayor - who is yet to comment on the case.
The leader of the Conservatives in the London Assembly, Susan Hall, has supported Mr Hehir and met him during his visit to Parliament this week.
Mr Hehir said: "I want to thank Susan and the whole Assembly for supporting me. To have everyone come together, all different parties, it means a lot.
“I hope the Mayor now finally says something, as it’s disappointing he hasn’t so far. I would welcome the chance to speak with him about it. I hope he will give his support as well.”
Wes Streeting quietly deletes images of Lord Mandelson from social media - including one with his MOTHER
Wes Streeting has quietly removed a number of images of himself and his family with disgraced Labour grandee Lord Mandelson - including this one
|X/WESSTREETING
Wes Streeting has quietly removed a number of images of himself and his family with disgraced Labour grandee Lord Mandelson.
One was published just one day after Mr Streeting first became a Labour MP in Ilford North in May 2015 - a seat he now holds by a hair's breadth against his pro-Gaza independent challengers.
Lord Mandelson, who was then running his public affairs firm Global Counsel, had campaigned in the constituency for Mr Streeting.
"Oh, look it's my mum's new mate Peter Mandelson on the telly," the now-Health Secretary said of the photo at the time. "Mum, a big lefty, loved him today."
Team Rayner hits back amid reports ex-Deputy PM is plotting bid to oust Keir Starmer
A spokesman for Angela Rayner has hit back at reports of a leadership bid
|PA
A spokesman for Ms Rayner hit back at reports in the Mail and Telegraph of a leadership bid late last night.
He hit back at suggestions that she told friends she was ready to run, saying: "We do not recognise these claims".
Then, turning to question marks over her tax affairs, a spokesman said: "Angela said she would cooperate fully with HMRC and continues to do so. A running commentary is not helpful."
RECAP: Voters demand Keir Starmer quits as PM after Lord Mandelson scandal puts premiership on the brink
Half of Britons want Sir Keir Starmer to quit as Prime Minister following shock revelations about Lord Mandelson, a bombshell poll has revealed.
The survey, conducted by YouGov, found that just 24 per cent of voters want Sir Keir to stay as Labour leader and Prime Minister.
Labour voters remain split on whether Sir Keir should stay in No10, with just 40 per cent supporting the Prime Minister and 37 per cent wanting new leadership.
Meanwhile, an overwhelming majority of both 2024 Tory and Reform UK voters back Sir Keir stepping down.
YouGov polled 6,741 Britons about Sir Keir on February 5, just hours after the Prime Minister admitted No10 knew Lord Mandelson visited Jeffrey Epstein's house before appointing him as the UK's Ambassador to the US...