Allies sympathetic to Angela Rayner are plotting Sir Keir Starmer's downfall, warning Labour faces "electoral oblivion" unless the Prime Minister changes course or stands down.
Sources close to the former Deputy Prime Minister pointed the the fate of former French President François Hollande and the political downfall of his Socialist Party (Parti socialiste) as a warning for Sir Keir.
As the 2012 Presidential election, Mr Hollande was voted in, ending 12 years of conservative rule in France. However, he quickly fell out of favour, becoming the least popular French leader in modern times.
The Socialist Party was eventually defeated at the 2017 election, finishing behind Emmanuel Macron’s En Marche! as well as Marine Le Pen's National Rally and Jean-Luc Mélenchon's left-wing La France Insoumise.
A Labour MP told The Telegraph: "A French Socialist colleague, watching Labour’s decline under Keir Starmer, explained how he believed we were on the exact same trajectory as his party was in 2012.
"History is littered with parties that believed they had a permanent right to exist. Most of them now only feature in history books.
"Labour should look at the French Socialists and feel a chill, because right now, Reform is taking the heartlands and the Greens are taking the young. Britain is running the same experiment. We already know how it ends."
Last month, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said Ms Rayner’s warnings about the direction of the Labour Party reflect what Sir Keir Starmer and his Cabinet are thinking.
Mr Streeting told Sky News: "We came in with an enormous challenge and a country that is in desperate need of some hope and optimism. So I don’t think Angela Rayner is saying anything that people around the Cabinet table, including the Prime Minister, aren’t feeling."
Pressed on whether he thought the criticism sounded like a leadership pitch, he said: “I’ve been victim of this myself.
"We can’t have a culture in politics, certainly the Prime Minister does not support a culture, where people can’t float ideas, can’t influence the battle of ideas and take part in it.
"That’s what we want. So, I don’t think people should go into a defensive crouch when members of our team are saying challenging things.”
Keir Starmer holds talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Sir Keir Starmer held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the two agreed to ramp up pressure on the Kremlin to engage in peace talks.
A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this afternoon.
"The leaders began by discussing the situation on the battlefield and the Prime Minister commended the courage of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
"The Prime Minister said he was pleased the UK had been able to announce further air defence commitments to defend Ukraine's cities from Russia's barbaric attacks.
"It was vital pressure on Putin was ramped up to force Russia to seriously engage in peace talks, the Prime Minister added.
"The leaders discussed President Zelenskyy's recent travel to the Gulf, and the Prime Minister welcomed his reflections on how partners, including Ukraine, could support stability in the region to ensure the free flow of trade.
"Both looked forward to speaking again soon."
WATCH: Suella Braverman has hit out at the National Education Union for 'declaring war' on Reform UK
Downing Street says reopening Strait of Hormuz is 'vital'
Sir Keir Starmer's spokesman has said the Prime Minister believes is "vital" that the Strait of Hormuz is reopened after a call with the chief of Nato.
A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister spoke to the Nato Secretary General, Mark Rutte, this afternoon.
"The leaders began by discussing the situation in Ukraine, and the progress being made on peace talks. The leaders underlined their unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and reiterated that Ukraine's future was for its people to decide. "
"Turning to the Middle East, the leaders reflected on the Prime Minister's speech this morning, and the Prime Minister updated on plans for the virtual meeting of Foreign Ministers tomorrow.
"It was vital that freedom of navigation was restored in the Strait of Hormuz, and that all countries played their part in a viable plan to ensure the free flow of trade, the leaders agreed.
"The leaders agreed to stay in close touch over the coming days."
Rachel Reeves holds meeting with supermarket bosses
Rachel Reeves and supermarket bosses have agreed to explore together how to keep costs down for consumers and boost supply chains amid the impacts of the Iran war.
Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Morrisons, Lidl, Co-Op, M&S, Iceland and Ocado were represented at the meeting with the Chancellor, as well as the British Retail Consortium.
A Government spokesman said: "The Chancellor and Environment Secretary had a positive meeting with Britain’s leading supermarkets to discuss the economic impacts of the war in the Middle East.
"They agreed to work together to explore what more can be done to ease the cost of living for consumers and strengthen supply chains."
Kemi Badenoch blasts 'total collapse of consequences' in Clapham
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has warned of a "total collapse of consequences" after nights of chaos in Clapham.
Mrs Badenoch said: "Children smashing up shops in broad daylight, stealing and even filming themselves doing it as if it were a game, is a much bigger problem than is being recognised. This is a total collapse of consequences.
"To those making snide comments about race or black kids - you do not see scenes like this in Lagos or Nairobi. Not because the children there are different, but because actions have consequences. There are clear boundaries.
"Parents, communities, and the authorities do not wring their hands or look the other way. Here, we have created a culture where too many young people believe they can do what they like and nothing will happen. That is the problem. We should be honest about where that leads.
"If a child loots a shop today, films it for social media, and faces no real consequence, they are going to do much worse tomorrow. This is why under my leadership Conservatives are focusing on ENFORCEMENT, not just making more and more rules."
Keir Starmer pushes for closeness with EU warning Iran conflict will 'affect the future of country'
Sir Keir Starmer has issued a stark message to the country this morning | REUTERSSir Keir Starmer has pushed for closer ties with the EU as he warned that the ongoing war in Iran will have an impact on "the future of country".
Speaking from Downing Street, the Prime Minister sought to calm public anxiety over escalating oil and fuel costs triggered by Donald Trump's military campaign against Tehran.
"It is now clear that the impact of this war will affect the future of our country," he stated.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Sir Keir expressed confidence in Britain's resilience, insisting the nation is "well-placed to weather" the crisis regardless of its intensity.
Zack Polanski demands Keir Starmer to stop the King's visit to the US
Zack Polanski has called on the Prime Minister to cancel the King's state visit to the US.
The Green Party leader said: "The King should be going nowhere near near Donald Trump at this time. The truth is, Keir Starmer has waved this visit through because he's scared to stand up to the rogue president.
"Starmer is telling everyone he is Hugh Grant, while the reality is he is intimidating Tony Blair by involving Britain in another illegal war in the Middle East.
"The reported 27 US B52 bombers taking off from British soil to bomb Iran is a testament to that."
Clapham MP condemns teenagers who swarmed high street - 'Inexcusable'
The MP for Clapham has condemned teenagers who swarmed shops in the neighbourhood's high street as "inexcusable."
Crowds of children gathered in the south London neighbourhood on Tuesday and Saturday, trying to get into shops on the High Street and setting off fireworks on Clapham Common.
Six teenage girls, aged 13 to 17, have already been arrested, and the Metropolitan Police said there would be more as officers go through CCTV and bodyworn camera footage of what happened.
The Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill Bell Ribeiro-Addy said: "I’m very concerned by the recent scenes of unrest on Clapham High Street.
"This intimidating behaviour causes havoc for local residents and businesses alike. It is inexcusable. The police have informed me that we will see increased patrols in the area over the coming days."
Britons fear 'never ending' cost of living crisis as 'awful April' hammers households with bill hikes: 'Frightening!'
Britons have expressed their fears of the nation's cost of living crisis "never ending", as households have been hammered with an extra £216 in bills.
Speaking to GB News National Reporter Sophie Reaper, locals in Leigh near Manchester declared the state of Britain's economy "frightening", questioning if they will be able to cope with the surging costs.
Households across Britain are waking up to a wave of price rises today in what campaigners have labelled another "awful April".
SNP leader in North Lanarkshire suspended by party
The SNP’s group leader on North Lanarkshire Council has been suspended by the party, it has been announced.
Tracy Carragher has come under pressure in recent days after she was called as a witness in the trial of former North Lanarkshire Council leader Jordan Linden.
A recording of a group meeting made after allegations against Linden were made public where she appeared to support him added further pressure to Ms Carragher.
A statement from an SNP spokesperson said: "In light of ongoing allegations regarding the handling of matters within the North Lanarkshire Council SNP group in relation to Jordan Linden, the national secretary has suspended councillor Carragher pending an investigation.
"This means she will no longer be an SNP candidate in the forthcoming elections or leader of the SNP group on the council. We take this issue seriously and the voices of complainants must always be heard."
King Charles invited to address joint meting of US Congress during state visit
King Charles III has been invited to address a joint meeting of the US Congress during his upcoming visit to Washington DC on April 28, House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced.
The senior Republican made the announcement on X, saying it was his "distinct honour and great privilege" to extend the invitation to the King.
He added: "Our two nations share one of the most consequential partnerships in history, and together we will mark the historic milestone of America's 250th year of independence."
Kemi Badenoch launches Conservative ‘Pothole Patrol’ to fix Britain’s broken roads
Kemi Badenoch has unveiled a £225million scheme dubbed the "National Pothole Patrol" aimed at addressing Britain's deteriorating road network.
Half of this funding, totalling £112.5million, will be allocated to supplying hundreds of advanced road-repair machines directly to local authorities across the country.
The initiative follows the Conservative Party's "Golden Economic Rule," which stipulates that at least 50 per cent of any savings must contribute to deficit reduction.
According to the Tories, the programme will be financed through cuts to government spending on external communications consultants, enabling faster and more extensive repairs in the worst-affected areas.
Read the full story here.
Reform UK not ruling out re-running controversial Scottish Labour attack ad
| PA
Reform UK has refused to rule out rerunning a campaign advertisement that claimed Anas Sarwar would "prioritise the Pakistani community" in Scotland, an ad that was branded "racist" by both the Scottish Labour leader and First Minister John Swinney.
Thomas Kerr, a senior figure in the party and Holyrood candidate, declined to rule out rerunning the advert when questioned by reporters at a press conference in Glasgow's east end, held alongside Reform UK Scotland leader Lord Malcolm Offord.
The pair appeared in front of two vans bearing images of a small boat migrant crossing, accompanied by the words "Scotland is at breaking point" and a claim that Glasgow had become "the illegal migrant capital of the UK."
The Government publishes joint statement with leaders from 34 other states on Strait of Hormuz
World leaders have issued a joint statement roundly condemning Iran's attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure, and its effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, warning the actions pose "a threat to international peace and security."
The statement calls on Tehran to immediately halt its missile and drone strikes, cease mine-laying operations and comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, stressing that "freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law."
It continued by warning that Iran's actions would be "felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable," and confirmed it would work to stabilise energy markets.
Leaders also confirmed their readiness to contribute to efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait, as preparatory planning gets underway among allied nations.
The Government published the statement alongside France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Trinidad & Tobago, Croatia, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Panama, North Macedonia, Nigeria, Montenegro, Albania, Marshall Islands, Chile and Moldova.
'This is the wrong sign we're sending, not just to our enemies, but our allies' - Kemi Badenoch criticises HMS Dragon's delay
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch addressed US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth's comments on the state of the British Royal navy.
She described the British navy as "the best in the world", but in need of direction and funding.
Mrs Badenoch referenced HMS Dragon, which took weeks to leave Portsmouth harbour to help defend Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean.
She said on the matter: "This is the wrong sign we're sending, not just to our enemies, but our allies."
UK needs to invest in our own defence to ensure continuity of Nato, says Kemi Badenoch
The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, has said the Conservatives would re-instate the two-child benefit cap in order to fund greater defence spending.
Speaking from Solihull, the Conservative party leader said that "Nato is absolutely essential for Western security" and to ensure continuity of the alliance, the UK must increase its defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP (gross domestic product).
She and her party would fund this through re-establishing the two-child benefit cap, which has just been lifted by the Labour Government.
Also, she said the Prime Minister should have announced a defence investment plan last year, but it appears there is not one yet in sight, leaving the country in the dark on its security and military spending.
Vital UK submarine bases rocked by DOUBLE scandal over links to Labour Chinese spy probe
| FACEBOOKLabour MP Joani Reid has become embroiled in a double scandal amid links to inappropriate conduct with two separate senior naval officers stationed at a key naval base.
The commander of one of the UK's nuclear-armed submarines stepped away from his duties this week following an investigation into his relationship with Ms Reid, whose husband David Taylor was detained last month on suspicion of espionage for China.
In a separate incident, Ms Reid departed the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme early last year after allegedly becoming "carried away" during an official visit to the Faslane naval base in Scotland, which houses the nation's strategic nuclear deterrent.
The Royal Navy opened its inquiry last year after allegations emerged that the married officer had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with the MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven.
Read the full story here.
'Another non-statement this morning' - Robert Jenrick dismisses Keir Starmer's press conference
Robert Jenrick, Reform MP, took to social media to slam the Prime Minister's press conference this morning.
He wrote on X: "Is Keir Starmer allergic to action?
"Another non-statement this morning.
"Drill the North Sea. Scrap the fuel duty rise. Take VAT and the stealth levies off energy bills."
Nato 'most effective military alliance', says Prime Minister
Sir Keir Starmer said to reporters: "Firstly, Nato is the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen, and it has kept us safe for many decades, and we are fully committed to Nato.
“Secondly, that whatever the pressure on me and others, whatever the noise, I’m going to act in the British national interest in all the decisions that I make.
“And that’s why I’ve been absolutely clear that this is not our war and we’re not going to get dragged into it.
“But I’m equally clear that, when it comes to defence and security and our economic future, we have to have closer ties with Europe. That’s why we had the summit last year.
“This year, as I’ve just announced, there’ll be a further summit. There, we will make good on equipment that we put in place last year, but we will also go further in relation to the alignment.”
Manifesto commitments remain despite further cosying up to EU, says Keir Starmer
Labour's manifesto commitments remain, said Keir Starmer, despite announcing in the coming weeks the UK will hold a summit with EU member states, to develop a "deeper" relationship with the union.
The Labour Party said there will be no rejoining the EU single market, customs union or freedom of movement in their 2024 manifesto.
However, this latest announcement is clearly a move towards Labour's pledge to "reset" relations with the EU.
Keir Starmer vows for 'a fairer and more secure country'
Amid a conflict in which Britain's influence remains limited, Sir Keir Starmer has vowed the country will not simply revert to how things were once the fighting in the Middle East stops.
Speaking at a press conference, he said: "I'm not prepared to ask the British people once again, to go through a crisis, and say business as usual, back to the status quo.
"So on our economy, on our energy and on our defence, this time will be different.
"We will make Britain a fairer and more secure country, because that hope is what is needed as the country comes together, and because how we emerge from this crisis will define us for a generation."
'Brexit did deep damage to our economy' - new summit announced with EU partners
The UK will take part in a new summit with EU member states to ensure closer economic partnership with them.
The Prime Minister said: "Brexit did deep damage to our economy.
“The UK will not just ratify existing commitments made at last year’s summit.
“We want to be more ambitious, closer economic closer, security, closer economic cooperation, closer security cooperation, a partnership that recognises our shared values, our shared interest and our shared future, a partnership for the dangerous world that we must navigate together.”
Keir Starmer outlines the Government's five-point-plan to help UK households 'weather the storm'
Sir Keir Starmer said he will not bring the UK into another crisis which will ultimately harm the finances of UK households.
The Prime Minister outlined his five-point-plan in protecting UK energy prices from external shocks, which includes extending fuel duty cuts until September, cutting energy bills by over £100, allocating money to protect heating oil price shocks and investing in renewable energy.
He said: “In the coming weeks... we will continue to assess the economic affects, we will continue to stand up for the British national interest, and we will continue to do what we must to guide our country calmly through this storm."
'This is not our war' - Keir Starmer addresses the nation on Middle East conflict and energy price volatility
Sir Keir Starmer has emphasised again "this is not our war" in the Middle East.
Speaking from the Downing Street briefing room, the Prime Minister said the country is "working at pace for de-escalation".
He said he wants to "reassure" the public that the UK is "well-placed" to weather the storm.
Sir Keir announced that the Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, will host a meeting with allies to enter diplomatic talks in how to end the crisis in the Middle East.
'Judge me on my actions' - Chancellor says Government is preparing for all scenarios amid energy crisis
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said the Government is "preparing for all eventualities" as the Iran war has created volatility in global markets, with the impact being felt by UK households.
However, she indicated there was no immediate help coming from the Treasury for motorists whose pockets were feeling the squeeze of rising oil prices.
Speaking to the BBC, she Chancellor said: “We’re preparing for all eventualities.
“We’ve already taken action with heating oil, for example, fuel duty is frozen until September and people will see from today a fall in their energy bills.
“But my principle – and judge me on my actions because ever since I became Chancellor, almost two years ago, I have been doing everything in my power to drive down the cost of living – we want to keep down prices for everyone, and then also have more targeted support.”
Rachel Reeves unveils new car tax changes today as millions face higher rates in 'unwelcome' move
Rachel Reeves' car tax changes have come into effect today, hitting petrol, diesel, electric vehicles and hybrid drivers across the UK.
Millions of motorists will now pay more in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) after new rates, first set out in the Autumn Budget, officially began.
On average, drivers will see bills rise by around £5 a year, but drivers with more polluting vehicles could be hit much harder, with increases of up to £40 annually.
The Chancellor confirmed the changes would rise in line with inflation, although the move adds to growing pressure on households already dealing with high driving costs.
Read the full story here.
WATCH: Labour Minister Peter Kyle blasted by GB News’ Mark White over government extending migrant deal with French and failing to stop the boats
Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, has been blasted by GB News’ Mark White over the government extending the migrant deal with the French and failing to stop the boats.
'Absolute disaster in diplomacy!' - Matt Vickers criticises Keir Starmer's lack of response over Middle East
Matt Vickers, shadow secretary for Illegal Migration said that Keir Starmer "dithered" in his response to the US's military operation in Iran, which consequently has damaged the "special relationship" with Donald Trump.
The lack of conviction from the Prime Minister has "soured" relations with other allies, Mr Vickers said, leaving UK nationals and military bases "at risk".
He called it an "absolute disaster in diplomacy".
Shadow Secretary on Illegal Migration slams Labour Government over increasing illegal migration
Matt Vickers, shadow secretary for Illegal Migration slammed the Labour Government this morning, citing that 30 per cent more people are arriving in the country under Sir Keir Starmer than the previous Conservative premiership.
He referenced the Rwanda deterrence scheme, spearheaded by Rishi Sunak, as an appropriate solution to the growing problem, but was dismantled by the Labour Party once they came into power in 2024.
Speaking to GB News, he said if Kemi Badenoch was in power, the Conservatives would leave the European Convention on Human Rights to improve the illegal migrant crisis.
What is happening in UK politics today?
Good morning, happy April Fool's from the GB News Politics team!
Here's what is happening today in Westminster and beyond...
Sir Keir Starmer will address the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the impact it is having on energy prices at home in a press conference this morning.
The Chancellor will be meeting with supermarket bosses this afternoon on the cost of living and how rising food prices can be eased.
From today, there are a raft of new measures coming into force, for instance, the National Living Wage rises to £12.71 and energy bills are set to be cut by an average of £117 a year... but, households will also see council tax, water bills, car tax, TV licences, broadband and stamp prices all increase this month.
On GB News, we'll be hearing from Matt Vickers, shadow secretary on Illegal Migration this morning.
Stay tuned for all things politics.