Ed Miliband to challenge Wes Streeting in race to replace Keir Starmer as PM prepares for showdown with Health Secretary

Vacant ministerial roles filled 

The Government has announced the following promotions, filling the newly vacant roles (and more):

• Nesil Caliskan MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
• Natalie Fleet MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Home Office
• Catherine Atkinson MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice
• Preet Kaur Gill MP as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department of Health and Social Care
• Gen Kitchen MP as Comptroller of HM Household (Government Whip)
• Deirdre Costigan MP as Junior Lord of the Treasury (Government Whip)
• Shaun Davies MP as Assistant Whip, House of Commons

Letter supporting Keir Starmer includes 'names without approval', claims Labour MP

A letter signed by Labour MPs expressing support for Sir Keir Starmer includes names without their approval, one of the signatories has claimed.

More than 100 Labour MPs appeared to sign a letter warning colleagues in the Commons that this is “no time for a leadership contest”.

The letter was released earlier today following a wave of ministerial resignations and growing calls for the Prime Minister to step down.

However, Ealing Central & Acton MP Rupa Huq took to social media to voice her surprise at being included on the 111-strong letter.

Read Jack Walters' story here.

Donald Trump tells GB News two things Keir Starmer must do to save his premiership

Sir Keir Starmer must open the North Sea and stop illegal immigration to get his premiership back on track, Donald Trump has told GB News.

The US President initially built up a close working relationship with the Prime Minister.

Mr Trump regularly expressed his personal liking for Sir Keir, even going as far as to describe the Labour leader as his "friend".

However, the pair appeared to fall out over foreign policy, including over Greenland and the Iran war.

Read Jack Walters' story here.

Keir Starmer told to set out a 'clear timetable' for his departure by Labour MP: 'It's the right thing to do!'

Jonathan Brash, who was the first MP to call for Sir Keir Starmer to resign, has told GB News that the Prime Minister must set out a "clear timetable" for his departure.

In an exclusive interview with GB News presenter Gloria De Piero, the Labour MP said that it is the "right thing" for Sir Keir to exit Downing Street.

As the Prime Minister fights for his survival, he was hit by a series of resignations from ministers who also urged him to "do the right thing for the country" and go.

Delivering his verdict on Sir Keir's future, Mr Brash said: "My view hasn't changed. I think it's the right thing now for the Prime Minister to set a clear timetable for his departure from the job.

Read Georgia Pearce's story here.

Angela Rayner tells Labour MPs she's ready to replace PM despite HMRC probe

Angela Rayner has told Labour MPs she is ready to replace Sir Keir Starmer despite her still being investigated over her tax affairs.

The former deputy Prime Minister has indicated that she would back Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham if he ran a leadership campaign.

However, Labour insiders have said she is still rallying MPs for support if she made her own leadership bid, if Sir Keir was forced to step down as Prime Minister at short notice, the Daily Mail reports.

One Labour source said: “Publicly she is making very loud representations that Andy should be allowed back. But she is also texting everyone saying she is ready to go.”

Ms Rayner was forced to quit the Cabinet last year after it was revealed she had not paid £40,000 in stamp duty on an apartment in Hove, on the south coast.

HMRC are currently investigating the case, but her allies believe she will be cleared of any wrongdoing and the probe would not be an obstacle to her leadership bid regardless.

The Ashton-under-Lyne MP launched a scathing attack yesterday against Sir Keir, declaring that Mr Burnham should “not have been blocked” from running in the Gorton & Denton by-election earlier this year.

She 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."

Donald Trump: Keir Starmer is 'windmilling the country to death'

President Donald Trump has told Sir Keir Starmer he is "windmilling the country to death" and suggested it was the Prime Minister's own decision whether to remain in office or step down.

Speaking at the White House before departing for China, the US President said his advice to Sir Keir had consistently been to open up North Sea oil production and take a harder line on immigration, reports the Telegraph.

He said: "You got one of the great oil finds anywhere in the world, and you're not using it, they're not allowed to use it, and it's one of the best in the world, among the best oils in the world.

"Open up your oil in the North Sea and get tough on immigration. Europe is being very, very hurt by immigration all over Europe."

When asked whether Sir Keir should stay or go, Mr Trump said: "That's up to him, but I told him from day one, you're getting killed on energy. You're windmilling your country to death. Open up the North Sea. You have one of the greatest sources of energy in the world."

Wes Streeting to hold talks with Keir Starmer tomorrow

Health Secretary Wes Streeting will hold talks with Sir Keir Starmer at No10 tomorrow morning.

The pair are expected to discuss the chaos that has ensued since Labour's significant losses in the local elections last week.

Mr Streeting will question the Prime Minister on how he intends to get the party "out of this mess", but it is not yet known whether the Health Secretary will outright ask Sir Keir to set out a timetable for his departure, reports The Times.

Twelve Labour MPs form new caucus 

Twelve Labour MPs have launched a new caucus called Socialism26, describing it as "a programme for change inside the Labour Party".

Among its signatories are Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff and Lorraine Beavers, MPs for Poole, North Hertfordshire and Blackpool North and Fleetwood respectively.

The group is calling on the Government to drop its plans to restrict jury trials, ease powers to limit protests and commit to building enough council housing to halve waiting lists by 2029.

In a statement, the group said: "Now is the time for a clear vision of what we think a better life for ordinary people actually looks like.

"That means securing genuinely affordable and decent housing, meaningful work, and a comfortable balance between income and bills for everyone."

Buckingham Palace 'raises private concerns' with Downing Street over King Charles's speech

Buckingham Palace held private conversations with Downing Street about King Charles III's speech at tomorrow's ceremonial State Opening of Parliament, as Sir Keir Starmer battles a leadership crisis that could see him ousted from Number 10, sources have claimed.

The King's advisers conveyed to Government officials their concerns about shielding the monarch from any perception of being drawn into political manoeuvring, according to individuals with knowledge of the discussions.

"The Palace view is 'we do not want to be any part of this conversation, do not bring us into it,'" one source told Politico.

GB News understands that there were no concrete suggestions of cancelling the State Opening of Parliament.

Read Dorothy Reddin's story here.

Shabana Mahmood is 'cracking on with the job' and will not resign 

The Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will not resign from the Cabinet despite her urging Sir Keir Starmer to set out a timetable for his departure.

A spokesman for her said she is "cracking on with the job" and will not step down from her top tier Cabinet position.

Fourth minister to resign from Keir Starmer's government 

Health Minister Zubir Ahmed has stepped from the frontbench, calling for the Prime Minister "to step aside and set a timetable for an expedient and orderly transition to new leadership".

In a letter to the Prime Minister, the MP for Glasgow South West said maintaining his position was "wholly untenable" but was "forever grateful for [Sir Keir's] decency and tireless work in turning our party around, in imbibing in us all a sense of national duty before party".

Rhun ap Iorwerth to be next First Minister of Wales 

Rhun ap Iorwerth, the leader of Plaid Cymru has been named as Wales's next First Minister.

He won the most votes from the Members of the Senedd today, which makes him the first non-Labour politician to do so in the history of the Welsh Parliament.

PICTURED: Chuka Umunna spotted entering No10

Chuka Umunna spotted entering No10 this afternoon. The businessman and former MP for Streatham began his political career in Labour, being promoted to Shadow Cabinet minister, but defected in 2019 to co-found the Independent Group. Later that year, he joined the Liberal Democrats, but lost his seat in the 2019 General Election.

'This no time for a leadership contest' - More than 100 MPs sign letter backing Keir Starmer 

A letter which is understood to be have been signed by more than 100 Labour MPs, has urged colleagues to start "working together".

The letter writes: “Last week we had a devastatingly tough set of election results. It shows we have a hard job ahead to win back trust from the electorate.

“That job needs to start today – with all of us working together to deliver the change the country needs.

“We must focus on that. This is no time for a leadership contest.”

Keir Starmer continues day as normal by chairing Middle East Response Committee

Sir Keir Starmer has been chairing a Middle East Response Committee (Merc) meeting as planned, despite growing calls for him to set out a timetable for his departure.

The Prime Minister will be in the meeting with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.

The Home Secretary urged Sir Keir to consider stepping down as Prime Minister yesterday.

Merc was established in April to plan for scenarios unfolding in the Middle East following the Iran war, with particular focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz

Heidi Alexander rejects claims she is backing Andy Burnham's return to Westminster

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has denied claims from earlier today that she was backing Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's return to Westminster.

She said: "There’s a lot of nonsense flying around at the moment. The PM has my full support in getting on with the job."

"The only trains I’ve ever spoken to Andy about are those which will run on Northern Powerhouse Rail."

Defence Minister confirms he will not be resigning 

Luke Pollard said he would not be resigning as a minister because "whatever is happening elsewhere in British politics, national security is the first responsibility of Government and something I take very seriously".

In a series of social media posts which did not mention the Prime Minister by name, the defence minister said: "At a moment of seriousness for our country, defence needs a steady hand.

"I recognise the decisions that many of my colleagues are making about the leadership of our party. I too want bold leadership to deliver the change our country needs.

"With our troops deployed round the world, with threats building towards the UK and our allies, my responsibility as defence minister is to put our country first and provide continuity and consistency for our armed forces and defence sector at a highly uncertain time.

"Whatever is happening elsewhere in British politics, national security is the first responsibility of government and something I take very seriously.

"That is why I will not be resigning and will be continuing to support our efforts to rearm, rebuild our forces and protect the UK."

Sadiq Khan warns Keir Starmer '10 years in power is not realistic' in damning blow to PM's plans to remain in No10

Sir Sadiq Khan has warned Sir Keir Starmer that his "10 years in power" ambition is not realistic in another damning blow to the Prime Minister's plans to remain in No10.

It comes after Sir Keir insisted he will not step down as Prime Minister and outlined his desire to remain in the position for a decade.

Labour MPs are now assembling in their droves to demand the Prime Minister's resignation after the party's dismal display at the local elections.

Sir Keir told the Observer on Sunday: "I'm not going to walk away from the job I was elected to do in July 2024. I'm not going to plunge the country into chaos."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Andy Burnham in London to meet with Labour MPs

Andy Burnham is in London today to meet with Labour MPs in the capital as he eyes up his return to Westminster.

The Greater Manchester Mayor is meeting with MPs to get out ahead of Health Secretary and leadership hopeful Wes Streeting, reports PoliticsHome.

Allies close to Mr Burnham's said he is set to make an announcement on a potential seat for the mayor to stand in, paving a route for him to Downing Street.

READ IN FULL: The resignation letter of Alex Davies-Jones MP

Alex Davies-Jones becomes third minister to resign today

Alex Davies-Jones has resigned from the Government, telling the Prime Minister: “I implore you to act in the country’s interest and set out a timetable for your departure."

The Victims Minister and MP for Pontypridd said the scale of electoral defeats for Labour has been "catastrophic."

She added: "The country has spoken and we must listen."

Transport Secretary backs plans for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is backing plans for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to return to Parliament.

An ally told the Times that Mr Burnham is ready to trigger his return, and one ally said he had a seat "locked down" and was "ready to move if he needs to."

A source close to Mr Burnham said he had an MP willing to stand down to allow him to return to Parliament and an announcement could be made as soon as later today.

​Miatta Fahnbulleh backs Andy Burnham to replace Keir Starmer

Miatta Fahnbulleh has thrown her weight behind Andy Burnham to succeed Sir Keir Starmer, after she resigned from the Government earlier today.

She told the BBC: "He’s not [in Parliament] and he should be allowed to be.

"[Sir Keir] needs to set a proper process and we need our best players available. Keir has to do right by the country and see us through that process."

READ IN FULL: The resignation letter of Jess Phillips MP

Jess Phillips resigns as minister

Jess Phillips has resigned as safeguarding minister.

The Birmingham Yardley MP and former Labour leadership candidate said progress had been "stalled and delayed."

She said she "cannot continue to serve as a minister under this current leadership."

In her letter to the Prime Minister, she said: "The desire not to have an argument means we rarely make an argument, leaving opportunities for progress stalled and delayed. Labour governments come around rarely is the constant refrain at the moment. It's true they are precious.

"Every Labour government in my and my family's lifetime has forged progress that changed our country and the world for the better. I know you care deeply, but deeds, not words are what matter.

"I'm not sure we are grasping this rare opportunity with the gusto that's needed and I cannot keep waiting around for a crisis to push for faster progress."

Reform plots 'brutal' battle to stop Andy Burnham's march to No10

Andy Burnham's march to No10 will face an enormous by-election challenge from Reform UK, allies of Nigel Farage have told GB News.

The Greater Manchester Mayor, who first stood for the Labour leadership in 2010, is mulling over a return to Westminster after leaving the House of Commons in 2017.

Mr Burnham was initially blocked by Labour's National Executive Committee from standing in February's Gorton & Denton by-election, with the Greens later securing a seismic victory and Reform UK ending up in a distant second place.

Sir Keir Starmer's leadership rivals are now circling No10 after more than 80 Labour MPs called on the Prime Minister to step down.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Keir Starmer 'refused' to meet individually with ministers after Cabinet meeting

Sir Keir Starmer "refused" to meet with ministers individually after the end of this morning's Cabinet meeting.

One source told Sky News: "Keir [Starmer] said in cabinet that he wouldn't discuss the elections or his leadership, and that he will only speak to cabinet ministers about that individually.

"Then after the meeting, he refused to see cabinet ministers individually."

Labour minister pledges 'we will stop the chaos' after crunch Cabinet meeting

Baroness Chapman has pledged Labour “will stop the chaos” after a crunch Cabinet meeting with the embattled Keir Starmer.

The International Development minister told our Chief Political Correspondent Katherine Forster outside No10 the Prime Minister was “doing a very good job”.

She insisted: "He is leading the Cabinet this morning. He's making decisions about the country. He's putting the people of the country first and not the psychodrama that we could take the opportunity to indulge in."

Andy Burnham spotted arriving in London

Andy Burnham has been spotted arriving at London Euston station.

The Greater Manchester Mayor was photographed near the railway station amid rampant speculation he might have found a Labour MP to stand aside to allow him to run.

He has yet to comment on the party's drubbing in the North West, which saw Labour lose seats across Greater Manchester to both Reform UK and the Greens.

It is currently unclear why the Labour Mayor is in the capital.

'Worse than Corbyn!' Karl Turner says public's 'despise' of Keir Starmer could spell 'death of Labour'

Suspended Labour MP Karl Turner has said the public reception of Keir Starmer is "much worse" than that of Jeremy Corbyn.

The Kingston upon Hull MP, who now sits as an independent after opposing Government policy to ditch jury trials, warned that the strength of feeling could be the end of the Labour Party.

Speaking to GB News, Mr Turner spoke of the sobering reaction from Britons on the doorstep ahead of Labour’s devastating local election defeats.

"If you were knocking on doors with me last week, you'd have thought that the Labour Party had already died."

WATCH THE FULL CLIP HERE.

Allies of Andy Burnham claim he has a Greater Manchester seat 'lined up'

Allies of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham have claimed he has a seat "lined up" as the pressure on Sir Keir Starmer continues to rise.

One close ally of Mr Burnham told MailOnline: "He has got a seat in Greater Manchester. I don't know which one, but it's definitely a Greater Manchester seat, not a Liverpool one.

"It's winnable. If you look at the mayoral elections, even the Tories lend Andy their votes. He's bigger than Labour in Greater Manchester."

John Healey says 'more instability is not in Britain's interest'

John Healey has warned "more instability is not in Britain’s interest" as he reiterated his support for the Prime Minister in a post on social media.

The Defence Secretary said: "People are worried about current conflicts and looming global crises.

"They expect their Government to lead the country through, as the PM is doing.

"More instability is not in Britain’s interest. Our full focus now must be on dealing with immediate economic (and) security challenges."

Jeremy Corbyn argues Keir Starmer 'rolled out the red carpet' for Nigel Farage

Jeremy Corbyn has slammed Sir Keir Starmer for "rolling out the red carpet" for Reform UK, as he took aim at his successor as Labour leader.

Writing in Tribune, the Your Party leader said: "Rather than rewriting the rigged rules of corporate Britain, the government also chose to blame a different group of people for the problems in our society: migrants and refugees.

"It went after the rights of migrants who have contributed so much to this country and demonised human beings seeking asylum.

"It mimicked the politics of Reform UK and rolled out the red carpet for Nigel Farage."

The Islington North MP also condemned the Prime Minister's response to the war in Gaza.

He continued: "There is perhaps one political decision that will leave the greatest stain of all. As Israel embarked on the mass murder of Palestinians in Gaza, this government could have defended international law and called for peace.

"Yet it chose to facilitate war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide...this government’s enduring legacy will be its complicity and participation in the greatest crime of our age. And we will never, ever forget."

Labour ministers back Keir Starmer as they leave Downing Street

Cabinet Ministers have backed the Prime Minister as they left Downing Street.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: "The Prime Minister talked about the challenges we faced as a country, the crisis in the Middle East and the impact on the cost of living here.

"Look, this Government will do what we were elected to do which is serve the British people. The prime minister has my full support in this.

"Let me just say this; there is a process to challenge the leader, nobody has made that challenge and what people would expect me to do is to focus on how we can grow the economy, tackle the cost of living and give them a better life."

 Rebecca Long-Bailey calls on the Prime Minister to resign

Labour former leadership candidate Rebecca Long-Bailey has called for Sir Keir Starmer to "set out a timetable" for a new leader to be elected.

The MP for Salford said the “full range of candidates” must be able to stand.

Sir Keir beat Ms Long-Bailey in the Labour leadership contest in 2020.

She said: "It is clear that Keir must end this chaos and now set out a reasonable timetable for an orderly transition to a new leader.

"We need a calm, open contest that allows the party to debate what has gone wrong, how we win back trust, and the policies needed to transform people’s lives.

"That contest must allow the full range of candidates to stand, without exclusions or factional manoeuvring."

Cabinet ministers were not given the chance to speak against Keir Starmer, sources claim

Ministers were not given the chance to speak out against the Prime Minister at Cabinet, sources claimed.

A source told The Telegraph that the Prime Minister laid out his case on why he should remain in office before arguing the process for a leadership challenge has not been triggered.

However, he then moved the meeting on to policy issues, and spent the rest of the hour discussing the impact of the ongoing war in Iran.

Pat McFadden claims nobody challenged Keir Starmer at Cabinet meeting

Pat McFadden has said no one challenged Sir Keir Starmer at this morning's Cabinet meeting.

The Work and Pensions Secretary said: "The Prime Minister’s going to continue with his job, as he should, as the public will expect him to do, and I’m going to continue with mine."

When asked if anyone challenged the Prime Minister, Mr McFadden said: “No they didn’t, there were many statements of support for the job that he’s doing. He will carry on with his job.”

James Cleverly says 'Labour crashed the economy' in direct address to backbenchers

James Cleverly has issued a direct appeal to Labour backbenchers who attack the Tories over Liz Truss's short lived tenure in Downing Street.

The former Conservative Home Secretary said: "To the Labour MPs who shout 'Liz Truss' whenever the economy is discussed, should note that the UK 10yr bond yield under Truss peaked at 4.7 per cent.

"This morning, because of Reeves’ and Starmer’s ineptitude the 10yr bond yield is 5.02 per cent. Labour crashed the economy."

Cabinet ministers start leaving Downing Street

Cabinet ministers have started to leave Downing Street following a crunch Cabinet meeting.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed was the first to leave, giving a quick interview with reporters before departing.

He said: "The Prime Minister has my full support. The Labour Party has a process for triggering a leadership election.

"That has not happened, so we all intend to get on with our jobs and that’s what I’m going to do. Thank you very much."

Chair of Labour Red Wall group says there is an 'entrenched disconnect' between Government and communities

The Chair of Labour's Red Wall group said there is an "entrenched disconnect" between the Government and communities outside of London.

Bassetlaw MP Jo White told The Telegraph: "There is an entrenched disconnect from the life experiences and values of those who live and work in the towns and communities of the Midlands and the North.

"We are literally living different lives, and these lives are being ignored.

"All of this explains why doors were closed on our faces on polling day, and in other places we were roared at and told to 'f*** off.'

"We live in times where the electorate is volatile, the traditional loyalties have long gone, and the disconnect is growing too fast with increasing numbers switching off, not believing in the electoral process any more."

Rachel Reeves pulls out of London event as crisis ongoing

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pulled out of an event in the City of London on Tuesday morning, the Treasury has confirmed.

Ms Reeves was due to take part in a "fireside chat" with the Lady Mayor of London at the City’s global risks summit after attending Cabinet.

Her place will now be taken by Treasury minister Lucy Rigby.

Mike Tapp claims every Labour rebel is 'doing Reform's work for them'

Migration minister Mike Tapp has suggested that Labour rebels calling on the Prime Minister to resign are "doing Reform's work for them".

The Dover and Deal MP said: "There might be nearly 80 rebels but they are not behind one candidate. Keir Starmer should stay for the term he was elected to serve. At the end of the term he can be judged.

"I respect every MP without exception but they are doing Reforms work for them. Every rebel statement is a notch on Zia Yusuf’s bed frame."

Steve Reed throws weight behind Prime Minister - 'This is not a game'

Steve Reed has said "this is not a game" as he threw his support behind Sir Keir Starmer.

The Housing Secretary said "This instability has consequences for people’s lives.

"The people who will be hurt most will be those that elected us less than two years ago. We must unite behind the Prime Minister."

Allies of Wes Streeting deny plotting coup

Sources close to Wes Streeting have denied claims the Health Secretary is plotting a coup against Sir Keir Starmer.

Yesterday, it was reported Mr Streeting orchestrated a series of resignations in attempt to force the Prime Minister's hand.

However, this morning source close to the Health Secretary told The Telegraph that Mr Streeting had not told "anyone" to resign,

They pointed to the fact that some of the resignations have come from allies of Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner.

Richard Holden compares Keir Starmer to Conservative collapse

Richard Holden has drawn parallels between the leadership crisis engulfing Keir Starmer and the final days of the Conservative Party in Government.

The Tory Shadow Housing Secretary said Labour had “lost track of the big picture” in a similar manner to his own Party as it limped towards electoral oblivion in 2024.

Mr Holden spoke to GB News after MPs called for the Prime Minister to resign, and select Cabinet Ministers demanded a timeline for his exit.

“It's pretty clear that Keir Starmer has shown a total inability to really understand where the country is,” the top Tory slammed.

WATCH THE FULL CLIP HERE.

Another Labour backbencher calls on Keir Starmer to resign

Yet another backbench Labour MP has called for the Prime Minister to resign.

South Ribble MP Paul Foster said: "Unfortunately, after much reflection, the Prime Minister’s speech yesterday did little to reassure me that he has the vision needed to reconnect with the country and rebuild public confidence under his leadership.

"We need a leader with the vision to take us into the next chapter; someone who can rebuild trust, reconnect with communities across the country and provide the sense of optimism and hope that people are crying out for, while delivering the change we promised in our manifesto.

"It pains me to say this because I am a loyal person by nature, and I do not come to this conclusion lightly.

"But it is with great regret that I believe the party now needs a change of direction and, ultimately, a new leader."

READ IN FULL: Miatta Fahnbulleh's resignation letter

"I am proud of the work that I have done in this Government.

"First as the Minister for Energy Consumers where I secured energy bill discounts for 6 million families and kick started our Warm Homes Plan; and in my current role where I have rolled out our transformational Pride in Place Programme, delivered a generational shift in power through our English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, and led our critical work on tackling the rising tide of hate and division in our communities.

"It has been a privilege to play my part in a government that is working hard at every level to deliver the change that our country needs.

"Whilst progress has been made, we have not acted with the vision, pace and ambition that our mandate for change demands of us. Nor have we governed as a Labour Party clear about our values and strong in our convictions.

"Mistakes such as the winter fuel payment and cuts to the support provided to disabled people have left too many of my constituents doubting our mission. And the message on the doorstep was clear: you, Prime Minister, have lost the trust and confidence of the public.

"Our country faces enormous challenges and people are crying out for the scale of change that this requires. The public does not believe that you can lead this change – and nor do I.

"Therefore, I urge you to do the right thing for the country and the Party and set a timetable for an orderly transition so that a new team can deliver the change we promised the country."

Steve Reed arrives at Downing Street

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed has arrived at Downing Street.

He did not answer questions as he entered No10.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Pensions Minister Pat McFadden followed shortly after.

Wes Streeting straight-faced as he enters Downing Street

​Health Secretary Wes Streeting did not answer any questions from reporters as he walked up Downing Street.

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, arrived shortly after.

Junior minister resigns just minutes before key Cabinet meeting

A junior minister has offered her resignation just minutes before a key Cabinet meeting.

Miatta Fahnbulleh has resigned from her role as Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities.

The MP for Peckham said: "This morning I sent my letter of resignation to the Prime Minister. I urge the Prime Minister to do the right thing for the country and the Party and set a timetable for an orderly transition."

More ministers arrive at Downing Street for Cabinet meeting

Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall walked down Downing Street and into No10 together.

They did not say anything as they glanced over at the press.

Labour Party chair Anna Turley arrived shortly after.

Darren Jones arrives at Downing Street

Chief secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones looked over at the dozens of members of press gathered as he walked into 10 Downing Street.

He did not respond to the questions shouted from the other side of the street.

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander has also arrived at Number 10.

 John McDonnell accuses Wes Streeting of launching a coup against Keir Starmer

Former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell accused Health Secretary Wes Streeting of launching a coup against Sir Keir Starmer, handing a "gift" to Reform UK.

Writing on social media, the veteran MP for Hayes and Harlington said: "I called for time for serious discussion, no precipitous coup & fully democratic process if leadership election.

"Instead Wes Streeting has launched coup for fear of a democratic process & whilst candidates are blocked. Handing leadership to Mandelson’s protege is gift to Reform."

David Lammy waves to reporters as he enters Downing Street

Justice Secretary David Lammy and the Attorney General Lord Hermer have arrived at Downing Street for this morning's Cabinet meeting.

Mr Lammy smiled and waved to reporters as he walked into No10.

Rachel Reeves in Downing Street ahead of crunch Cabinet meeting

Rachel Reeves has arrived at Downing Street for a crunch Cabinet meeting.

The Chancellor did not answer any questions from reporters as she entered the building.

Keir Starmer 'still has room to manoeuvre' as Charlie Rowley explains escape routes for embattled PM

Keir Starmer "still has room to manoeuvre" amid intense pressure on him to vacate Downing Street, claims political commentator and former Conservative special advisor Charlie Rowley.

At least 72 Labour MPs have called for the Prime Minister to step down, with Cabinet Ministers also said to be demanding a resignation roadmap.

The Foreign and Home Secretaries have both reportedly demanded an “orderly transition of power” following Labour's bruising local election defeats.

WATCH THE FULL CLIP HERE.

Cabinet minister says Andy Burnham's return to Westminster is 'fantasy politics'

A cabinet minister said "there’s a lot of fantasy politics going on" when pressed about the possibility of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham returning to the Cabinet.

Chief secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones was questioned if the Cabinet could benefit from the electoral popularity of someone like Mr Burnham.

He told the BBC: "There’s a lot of fantasy politics going on at the moment, Keir Starmer won a historic majority less than two years ago at the ballot box alongside all of us in the Labour Party."

Keir Starmer leadership in crisis as pound drops and borrowing costs surge

Financial markets came under renewed pressure on Tuesday as investors reacted to deepening turmoil inside the Labour Government, sending gilt yields higher and pushing sterling lower amid mounting speculation over Sir Keir Starmer's future.

Thirty-year gilt yields climbed by 0.09 percentage points to 5.76 per cent, moving closer to the 5.79 per cent level reached last week, which marked the highest level this century.

The move represented a second consecutive day of selling in UK Government debt as traders increasingly priced in political uncertainty at Westminster.

Our money reporter Joe Sledge has the full story here.

New poll puts Labour into joint third as Reform holds 11 point lead over Tories

A new poll has given Reform UK an 11 point lead over the Conservatives as Labour slumps into joint third with the Greens.

According to the YouGov poll, Nigel Farage's party is on 28 per cent, with the Tories on 17 per cent.

Sir Keir Starmer's party is on 17 per cent, joint with the Greens, with the Liberal Democrats in last on 13 per cent.

Senior Conservative blasts Keir Starmer - 'A total inability to understand the real challenges!'

A senior Conservative has called on the Prime Minister to resign as he said Labour has failed to understand "the real challenges."

Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden said: "I think the real question here is not about the driver, we could have a plethora of Labour MPs at the top of Government, its about the direction of Government.

"They've been heading in the wrong direction."

When asked if Sir Keir Starmer should resign, he said: "I think tis pretty clear when you've lost support of such a large part of your party.

"It's pretty clear Starmer has shown a total inability to understand where the country is and what the real big challenges are. It's what happened under my party and we're turning it around under Kemi."

Darren Jones denies Prime Minister's job is 'up for grabs'

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones has denied the job of Prime Minister is "up for grabs".

He told Times Radio said: "No, and look, the vast majority of members of the Parliamentary Labour Party, of ministers, of members of the cabinet, are focused on getting to the office today and getting on with the job that we were elected to do.

"I appreciate that we had an awful set of election results last week and that many colleagues are hurting as a consequence of that. And it’s right that we have a conversation about the lessons to be learned there.

"But I would just say to my colleagues that we can have those conversations in private, we can agree a way forward there’s a way to have these conversations and a way not to have them."

Speaking about the job of Prime Minister, he added: "It’s a gruelling job.

"I think anybody who thinks that they can just walk into the job of prime minister and, like the second coming of the Messiah, fix all of our problems probably hasn’t really thought carefully enough about how difficult it is."

Darren Jones refuses to say if Keir Starmer will lead Labour into next General Election

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones has refused to confirm if Keir Starmer will lead Labour into the next General Election,

Asked if Sir Keir would be leading Labour into the next election, Mr Jones said: "I’m not going to get ahead of any decision that the Prime Minister may or may not take.

"He was very clear yesterday that he will not be walking away, as some of my colleagues have asked him to do. We’ve got over 400 Labour MPs in the House of Commons. I think there are now 70 who have raised concerns publicly.

"All I would say is that the vast majority of us are focused on using the time we have in government to be able to deliver the types of change for people across the country that we’re also passionate about delivering, but that we have to work together then as a party in this new political era of five-party politics, of the rise of populist parties in our country, to be able to set the course for winning that next election."

Cabinet minister says discussion around Keir Starmer's future should take place in private

A cabinet minister has said the debate about the future of Sir Keir Starmer's time in Downing Street should take place in private.

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones said Labour must not "fall into a trap" of open infighting.

He told Sky News: "I appreciate that we had an awful set of election results last week… It’s right that we had a conversation about the lessons to be learnt there. And I say to my colleagues we can have those conversations in private.

"There’s a way to have these conversations and a way not to have them."

He added Labour was "absolutely focused as the Government in this country on doing the right things by the public and the country".

Rhun ap Iorwerth to be sworn in as Welsh First Minister

Rhun ap Iorwerth, the leader of Plaid Cymru, will be sworn in as the next First Minister of Wales after his party won the most seats in a historic Welsh Parliament election.

With the vote scheduled to take place later today, Mr ap Iorwerth is expected to have the most support behind him to become the next leader of the country.

His party won the largest bloc in the Welsh Parliament in the election, but fell short of a majority with 43 Members of the Senedd (MSs). Mr ap Iorwerth, who said he will seek to form a minority government, could become the first Plaid Cymru MS to lead Wales.

In the vote later today, Mr ap Iorwerth will have the support of the Wales Green Party’s two MSs, Welsh Green leader Anthony Slaughter has said, as well as Plaid Cymru’s 43 members.

Wales has been led by a Labour first minister since the Welsh Parliament was established more than two decades ago.

Baroness Eluned Morgan, the outgoing first minister, resigned from her role as Welsh Labour leader after losing her seat in the Senedd election.

Ken Skates, who scraped in as the sixth and last MS to win a seat in Fflint Wrecsam, will serve as the party’s interim leader until a full leadership contest takes place.

Labour CHAOS: Left-wingers warn Wes Streeting they'll oust him - before he's even become Prime Minister

Labour in-fighting is already underway between the factions trying to replace Sir Keir Starmer - but the PM has not publicly said anything about resigning.

A "senior soft-left source" last night condemned Team Streeting for their public statements calling for a "swift" leadership contest before Andy Burnham can get in.

The source told Bloomberg: "If Wes thinks he can pull off some kind of stitch up to avoid a fair process that he will have no legitimacy even if he briefly ends up in office.

"There would be no support for the Government in the Commons and we would challenge him at the first opportunity.

"He'd be lucky to outlast a lettuce."

Outside No10... Zack Polanski now admits he paid the wrong council tax during stint on east London houseboat

Zack Polanski has admitted he failed to pay the correct council tax while he was living on a houseboat in east London.

The Green Party leader came under fire after an investigation by The Times raised questions over his living situation.

Speaking through a party spokesman, the 43-year-old previously claimed he only stayed on the vessel “occasionally” - but an unearthed online listing from his partner had described it as the pair's "amazing home".

Neighbours told the newspaper they believed Mr Polanski lived at the address permanently, saying they had seen him there “all the time”.

But now, the Greens have finally admitted that Mr Polanski was living at the property "until relatively recently", adding that it "came with its own unique practical circumstances and considerations".

A party spokesman said: "He has immediately taken steps to pay any council tax he may be found to owe... Zack apologises sincerely for the unintentional mistake."

Mr Polanski last year said Angela Rayner's tax scandal of her own was a "resigning matter", though added that his "first thought is actually compassion for when anyone makes a mistake"...

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Angela Rayner 'would be PM Andy Burnham's Foreign Secretary as reward for stepping aside'

Angela Rayner would be offered the Foreign Secretary job under Andy Burnham, political blog Guido Fawkes has revealed.

Figures in Ms Rayner's inner circle are lobbying for the post as a reward for stepping aside for the so-called "King of the North".

But time is running out for Mr Burnham's leadership bid, with the PM facing down his Cabinet today.

Allies of the Mayor say he will secure his return to Parliament by triggering another by-election in a nearby seat.

The Telegraph reported a seat has been identified - and that Mr Burnham's team believes it is "broadly confident" that it is "winnable".

Nigel Farage's Reform UK, however, could throw a major spanner in the works, picking up more than 200 seats in the North West last Thursday.

Andy Burnham prepares rallying cry to bond markets - Greater Manchester Mayor faces race against time to become PM

Andy Burnham is reporting to be preparing his pitch to the bond markets in a bid to shore up his credibility before a potential shot at No10.

The Greater Manchester Mayor, according to The Telegraph, will endorse an economics pamphlet to help raise his credentials on the national stage.

"The Productive State: A Framework for Manchesterism" will be published by Mainstream, a Labour-linked group affiliated with Mr Burnham which has called for more left-wing policies, in the coming weeks.

Sources close to discussions said the document would set out how Mr Burnham's ideas in Greater Manchester could be rolled out across the UK - as well as the wider economic theory behind his ideas, which allies hope will reassure markets.

It will also suggest that Mr Burnham is the natural heir to the "titans of political economy" in the Labour movement.