Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald, the most senior civil servant in Britain, has stepped down from No10.
His departure follows a series of high-profile resignations around Downing Street, beginning with Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney on Sunday.
In a statement, the Cabinet Office said the Prime Minister and Sir Chris had agreed by mutual consent that he would stand down as Cabinet Secretary and head of the civil service with immediate effect.
Sir Chris said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as a civil servant for the past 35 years, and a particular distinction to lead the service as cabinet secretary.
“I want to place on record my sincere thanks to the extraordinary civil servants, public servants, ministers, and advisers I have worked with.
“Our country is fortunate to have such dedicated individuals devoted to public service, and I wish them every success for the future.”
Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to his departing aide, saying: “I am very grateful to Sir Chris for his long and distinguished career of public service, spanning more than 35 years, and for the support that he has given me over the past year.
“I have agreed with him that he will step down as cabinet secretary today. I wish him the very best for the future.”
Defence Secretary: 'We want the war in Ukraine to end in 2026'
Ukraine’s allies should make sure 2026 is the year Russia’s war against Kyiv ends, the Defence Secretary has said.
Speaking after a meeting of defence ministers in Brussels, John Healey said Ukraine’s allies were “more united and more determined than ever”.
He said: “We will step up military assistance to Ukraine. We will step up pressure on Russia.
“And we want to make 2026 the year this war ends, the year we secure peace.”
His comments came at a press conference after a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG), which saw allied nations pledge 35 billion US dollars (£25 billion) of military support for Ukraine as the war approaches its fourth anniversary at the end of February.
The support announced on Thursday includes more than £500 million from the UK in the form of new air defence systems, regarded as a priority by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The deal will see a further 1,000 lightweight multi-role missiles delivered to Ukraine.
Trade union leader calls for Angela Rayner to replace Keir Starmer
A trade union leader has urged Labour to replace Sir Keir Starmer with Angela Rayner, arguing that the party should now be led by a woman.
Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the TSSA, said Ms Rayner “resonates” with the public and would be better placed to stand up to Donald Trump. She also warned that Sir Keir’s leadership could be in jeopardy within weeks if Labour finishes third in the forthcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.
The intervention is significant as the TSSA is one of 11 unions formally affiliated to Labour. Few union chiefs have publicly named a preferred successor to Sir Keir.
“I'd like for a woman to lead the Labour Party. It should be an open contest (to replace Sir Keir) and there should be a widespread range of candidates. There should be left-wingers.
“But for me, Angela Rayner is a credible figure. The Tories have had three women leaders. We have yet to have one.”
“We would want to see someone that can stand up to Trump, and Keir can't do that. We think Angela Rayner can. I think that as it stands, she would be the right person to speak for us,” she told The Telegraph.
Praising the Deputy Prime Minister’s leadership, Ms Eslamdoust said: “I think she can show real leadership, she resonates with people. She can speak in a way that resonates with workers, with working-class communities, with women.
“But she’s also strong. So when she had her unfortunate scandal, she showed leadership and stepped down; she didn’t cling on. And that’s something that I find admirable.”
Asked about the timing of any potential challenge, she pointed to the Gorton and Denton by-election on Feb 26 as a possible turning point.
“If we were to come third, I think Keir’s time will be up,” she said.
Kent County Council passes first budget under Reform UK leadership
Kent County Council, the largest authority in the country, has passed its first budget under Reform UK leadership.
The vote was carried with 48 councillors in favour, 26 against and 1 abstention.
Reform councillors represent 48 out of the 81 seats.
Summing up the debate, deputy leader Brian Collins said the budget has been “carefully thought through”, adding: “Some people call it risky, I call it bold”.
Keir Starmer 'committing unforgivable mistakes' as Lisa Nandy slams 'chaos' engulfing Labour
Keir Starmer 'committing unforgivable mistakes' as Lisa Nandy slams 'chaos' engulfing Labour
Lisa Nandy has suggested Labour has "committed unforgivable mistakes" as the Culture Secretary admitted "chaos" was engulfing the party.
The senior Government figure called on her party's MPs to be "better role models" as Labour continues to slump in the polls.
Ms Nandy told The Guardian: "You call it a s***show, I say it’s unforgivable...It does look to people outside that we’re more interested in ourselves and less interested in preventing chaos."
However, she added democracy was "under threat" as she rejected attacks on the party from both Nigel Farage's Reform UK and Zack Polanski's Green Party.
When asked if she would have voted for the Greens when she was younger, she said: "No, I wouldn’t. Not in a million years. Hand on heart. I’ve been very open with you about what needs to change.
"But I’ve always hated populism. It stokes people’s anger and gives it nowhere to go."
The Wigan MP continued: "We all get out of bed every morning determined to try to turn things around in this country.
"We are staring down the barrel of a fascist government for the first time in British history.
"We are heavily aware of the responsibility on us all to sort this out, and you saw it playing out in real time yesterday with the cabinet all rallying round and making sure we didn’t do something utterly stupid for the country."
Jeremy Corbyn hits out at 'disgraceful' Sir Jim Ratcliffe comments
Jeremy Corbyn slammed billionaire and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's immigration comments as "disgraceful".
Yesterday, the Ineos CEO said Britain had been "colonised by immigrants".
"As an Arsenal fan, I have always enjoyed our historic rivalry with Manchester Utd," the former Labour leader wrote on X.
"Above all, I admire its identity as a diverse club with players & fans from all over the world.
"Jim Ratcliffe’s comments are a disgrace. Migrants aren’t the problem. Tax-dodging billionaires are."
Teachers MUST allow children to choose their own gender under Labour's trans guidance
Pupils will be permitted to change their gender at school under new guidance issued by Labour Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.
The long-delayed guidance states that teachers should approach requests to transition with “caution” and must consult parents, but ultimately accept a child’s request.
Schools are instructed to take account of any clinical advice received by the family and to involve parents unless there is a genuine safeguarding reason not to do so.
Under the new framework, pupils’ preferred pronouns should be respected in the classroom.
Government announce NHS pay rise
More than 1.4 million NHS workers will receive a 3.3% pay rise from April, the Government announced.
'Jim Ratcliffe is right!' Nigel Farage continues support for businessman despite his apology
Nigel Farage has declared Sir Jim Ratcliffe is right on immigration, despite the businessman earlier apologising for the wording of his statement.
Yesterday, the Manchester United co-owner said Britain had been "colonised by immigrants".
Amid furious backlash from some quarters of the establishment, including Keir Starmer, Sir Jim apologised if his "choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern".
Undeterred, Mr Farage continued to make the case in an X post, declaring: "One million people living in Britain don’t speak English."
"Areas of our towns and cities have been completely changed. Jim Ratcliffe is right."
Labour MP blasts Government over ‘jobs for the boys’ culture in the Lords following 'disgraceful' scandals
A Labour MP has urged the Government to stop the “jobs for the boys” culture and “politically partisan” appointees to the House of Lords.
Chris Hinchliff urged the Government to urgently take up bolder reforms to the House of Lords after a series of “disgraceful” scandals.
Mr Hinchliff, who had the whip taken off him last year after rebelling against welfare cuts and criticising planning reforms, said recent revelations had shaken people’s faith in democracy.
Speaking at business questions in the Commons, Mr Hinchliff said: “The disgraceful scandals of recent days have left what little remains of faith in our democracy hanging by a thread.
“One of the lessons has to be that while inherited privilege is no basis for a second chamber, neither is self-interested patronage by political leaders.
“Does the leader agree with me that we must end the rotten system of peerages being granted to individuals despite sickening behaviour simply because they’re rich and powerful, or to give jobs to the boys?
“And will he convey to his Cabinet colleagues the urgent need for legislation to reform the House of Lords from top to bottom, sweep away these abuses and rid us of all these politically partisan appointees?”
His question came in a fortnight when Lord Peter Mandelson, Britain’s former ambassador to the US, announced his resignation from the Lords after further evidence of his close ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, including leaking government documents during the financial crash.
Meanwhile, the Government withdrew the whip from its former head of communications, Lord Matthew Doyle, two days ago, over his links to paedophile councillor Sean Morton. The peer had recently been installed in the House of Lords.
Zack Polanski slams Labour over hospitality tax raids
The Green Party leader made a surprise appearance at the summit
|PA
Zack Polanski has slammed Labour's tax raid on hospitality as he made a surprise appearance at a key nightlife summit in Liverpool.
The Green Party leader said: "For so many people it feels like they’re running just to keep up. And we know that’s the same situation, in fact it’s even exacerbated, for people who run nightclubs, bars, restaurants.
"This hasn’t been helped over and over again by some of the decisions by the Government, particularly around business rates, energy bills being a huge issue for any businesses but particularly bad for the night time economy.
"We’re talking about the difference between regulation and promotion.
"There’s really a big need for regulation in the whole sector as there is in all sectors to keep people safe including employers and employees. But it can’t just be about regulation, we need promotion."
Pensions beat ISAs despite Rachel Reeves's inheritance tax raid as Britons boost savings by £7,400
Pension returns are beating ISAs despite Chancellor Rachel Reeves's looming tax raid on retirement savings, as Britons are earning close to £7,400 more from their pots.
Despite forthcoming inheritance tax (IHT) reforms set to take effect in April 2027, pensions continue to offer superior outcomes for those saving towards retirement compared to ISAs, according to new analysis from Standard Life.
The research reveals that tax relief on contributions remains a powerful advantage, potentially helping to counterbalance any additional inheritance tax liabilities under the new rules.
Nigel Farage hits back at Keir Starmer for 'ignoring mass immigration that has changed Britain' after PM slammed Jim Ratcliffe
Nigel Farage has launched a sharp rebuke against Sir Keir Starmer following the Prime Minister's demand that Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe apologise for claiming Britain had been "colonised" by migrants.
The Reform UK leader accused the Labour government of turning a blind eye to the scale of demographic change across the country.
"Britain has undergone unprecedented mass immigration that has changed the character of many areas in our country."
Downing Street refuses to say if Chris Wormald is still Cabinet Secretary
Downing Street has declined to "comment on speculation" when asked to confirm whether Sir Chris Wormald remains in place as Cabinet Secretary, and whether the search for his replacement would involve a full vetting process and interviews.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told reporters: "I’m not going to comment on speculation.
"In terms of process more generally, there is a process, as you know, for appointing cabinet secretaries. It’s overseen by an independent Civil Service Commission, and that’s well established."
John Swinney says Jim Ratcliffe's comments were a 'mistake'
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney criticised the remarks
| PAIneos boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe made a "mistake" with comments about immigration, Scotland’s First Minister has said.
The SNP leader said: "I disagree fundamentally with Jim Ratcliffe about these comments – I think the United Kingdom and Scotland have benefitted from migration. People have come to live here, to contribute to our economy, and they are welcome.
"Scotland faces particular challenges about the size of our working-age population, so we need to attract a larger working-age population."
Downing Street says it is 'right' Jim Ratcliffe has apologised
A Downing Street spokesman said it is "right" Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised over his claims immigrants had "colonised" the UK.
The spokesman for the Prime Minister said: "The PM asked for an apology and it has been issued."
They added: "There is nothing wrong with having a serious debate about immigration; ... the system has not been working as it should."
Angela Rayner calls for dedicated 'nighttime economy minister'
Angela Rayner has called for Sir Keir Starmer to appoint a dedicated "nighttime economy minister" in Government.
The former Deputy Prime Minister told an event about the nighttime economy in Liverpool: "These places are part of our national story, and they deserve protection, recognition and support.
"Other countries have led the way on this, and now we should learn from those countries of no successors, and give the nighttime economy and the hundreds of thousands of businesses in it [a] true champion on the national stage.
"I see the best of this sector close up, the venues in this room, the spaces you represent are extraordinary. They command global respect. They drive the visitor economy. They make the UK a cultural and social powerhouse that is envied worldwide."
Labour to bring forward legislation to strip Lord Mandelson of his peerage
Sir Keir has ruled out a future for Lord Mandelson in frontline politics | PAGB News understands Labour is set to bring forward legislation to strip Lord Mandelson of his peerage.
The legislation is set to return before MPS when they come back from their half term break in 10 days time.
Labour refuses to commit to publishing Lord Doyle documents
Shadow Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart said: "Will the minister commit to publishing all documentation relating to the nomination of Matthew Doyle as a peer?
"This is now a matter of acute public interest."
Cabinet Secretary Chris Ward said: "He touched on Lord Doyle.
"Obviously that is outside the scope of this Humble Address and outside the scope of the papers, so the urgent question does not touch upon that."
Senior Conservative grills Labour minister on timeline of Mandelson document release
Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart
|GB NEWS
Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart said: "Simply put, the purpose of our question today is to try to elicit a commitment from the Government to give the House a timetable and also to confirm, as I think the minister may have done, that it intends to comply fully with the language in the Humble Address."
In response, Cabinet Secretary Chris Ward said: "There is obviously a large amount of material potentially in play here, much broader than other Humble Addresses.
"That isn’t a criticism, that is just a factual observation on the scope of this.
"We hope to publish the first tranche of this when the House comes back from recess. That is being worked through on scoping.
"The conversations with the Metropolitan Police absolutely have the primacy of this place [the Commons] at heart, but we would also, as you would expect, not want to prejudice an ongoing police investigation so we are just working our way through that."
Cabinet minister says they will 'comply fully' with Mandelson investigation
Chris Ward MP
|GB NEWS
Cabinet minister Chris Ward has said the Government will "comply fully" with the investigation into Lord Mandelson.
Our lost nation needs a lot more Jim Ratcliffes and rather fewer Keir Starmers, writes Kelvin MacKenzie
Former editor of The Sun Kelvin MacKenzie has rallied support for Sir Jim Ratcliffe following his comments where he suggested the UK has been "colonised" by migrants.
Writing for GB News Members, Kelvin said: "Looking at their CVs, it’s clear that if you should listen to one of the men, it must be Ratcliffe."
WATCH: Anne Diamond unleashes furious tirade at Labour MP as she tells him 'Kemi Badenoch has a point!'
GB News host Anne Diamond has delivered a blistering assessment of Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, demanding to know if the Prime Minister is "reading the room" as his Government becomes mired in scandals over "paedophile apologists".
Confronting Labour MP Jake Richards, Anne questioned whether the Labour frontbench has lost touch with the British public, allowing the national conversation to be hijacked by a series of high-profile appointments and subsequent U-turns.
Rachel Reeves under fire as 'holiday tax' to increase cost of family trips and put jobs at risk
Rachel Reeves has come under fire
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing mounting pressure from the hospitality industry after approximately 200 major accommodation businesses demanded she abandon controversial plans for a so-called "holiday tax" in England.
Leading firms have signed an open letter coordinated by trade body UKHospitality urging the Government to drop the proposed visitor levy.
The industry chiefs warned that the additional charges on overnight stays could add more than £100 to the cost of a typical family break.
Green Party 'reported to counter-terror police by internal whistleblower over extremism fears'
The Green Party has been reported to counter-terror police by an internal whistleblower over extremism fears.
Concerns have grown that the party is becoming a hotbed for anti-Jewish sentiment and extremism.
One person in the party took the bold step to report their fellow members to counter-terrorism police, after groups in the party called for those seeking any kind of Jewish state in Palestine to be regarded as racist, the Daily Mail has revealed.
Union boss hits out at 'crass and insensitive' Jim Ratcliffe
Andy Prendergast, National Secretary of the GMB trade union hit out at Sir Jim
|GETTY
A senior union boss has slammed Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments as "crass and insensitive" as he slammed the Manchester United co-owner.
GMB’s National Secretary Andy Prendergast said: "Anyone who watches football knows the beautiful game is a shining example multiculturalism; people from across the world playing in harmony.
"In light of this, Radcliffe’s crass and insensitive comments just underline how out of touch and offensive he truly is. His reign at Man Utd has been marked by mass dismissals of loyal staff and chaos on the pitch.
"Frankly, his right to comment on UK affairs should have ended the moment he sloped off to Monaco to avoid paying his taxes."
Andy Burnham says Jim Ratcliffe’s comments ‘go against everything Manchester stands for’
Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has hit out at Manchester United’s co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s claim that the UK has been “colonised” by immigration.
Mr Burnham said the remarks should be “withdrawn”.
“These comments go against everything for which Manchester has traditionally stood: a place where people of all races, faiths and none have pulled together over centuries to build our city and our institutions, including Manchester United FC”, he said.
"Calling for curbs on levels of immigration is one thing; portraying those who come here as a hostile invading force is quite another.
"It is inaccurate, insulting, inflammatory and should be withdrawn," he added.
Mel Stride criticises Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 'sinister' language
Mel Stride reacted to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments on GB News
|GB NEWS
Sir Mel Stride says Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments about illegal migrants were “sinister”.
The Shadow Chancellor did agree, however, that the Manchester United co-owner raised an important point.
“Migration is a concern across our country”, he said.
“In that sense, the sentiments that he was expressing were right, but I would not have used that language.”
GB News Home and Security Editor Mark White raised the point that Sir Jim’s use of the word ‘colonised’ is being “seized upon” by the establishment and the wider point made by Sir Jim is being ignored as a result.
“Indeed, and that is the point”, he said on GB News.
“We must not lose sight of the fact that it is a real and legitimate issue. The size of net migration has been far too high for far too long.”
Rachel Reeves says UK is ‘fastest growing G7 economy in Europe’
The Chancellor has welcomed this morning’s GDP figures, saying the UK is the “fastest growing G7 economy in Europe”.
“Thanks to the choices we have made, we’ve seen six interest rate cuts since the election, inflation falling faster than predicted and ours is the fastest growing G7 economy in Europe," she says.
“The Government has the right economic plan to build a stronger and more secure economy, cutting the cost of living, cutting the national debt and creating the conditions for growth and investment in every part of the country.”
Tories slam Labour after minimal GDP growth
Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride has labelled new Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth statistics “disappointing”.
Taking to X, Mr Stride said the economy’s minimal growth shows “Labour’s choices have weakened our economy. In fact GDP per head has actually fallen - for the second quarter in a row”.
The UK economy grew by 0.1 per cent in the final quarter of 2025, and by 1.3 per cent annually, according to ONS figures published this morning.
Sir Mel said “these disappointing statistics show a Downing Street and a Treasury that have taken their eye off the ball.
“Wes Streeting is right to say Labour has ‘no growth strategy’. They are distracted by scandals of their own making as Sir Keir Starmer’s authority crumbles.
“Only the Conservatives have the leader with a backbone, a plan and the team to deliver a stronger economy and get Britain working again.”
Jim Ratcliffe's illegal migration warning was 'wholly inappropriate', says Liberal Democrats deputy leader
Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe should apologise for his “wholly inappropriate” remarks about immigrants, according to Daisy Cooper.
The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats spoke on GB News about Sir Jim's warning that the UK has been “colonised by immigrants”.
His comments have sparked an almighty row even reaching 10 Downing Street, with Sir Keir Starmer among those demanding an apology.
Asked by Anne Diamond whether she agrees with the Prime Minister, Ms Cooper said: “Yes, whether people have concerns about immigration or not, we can debate those.
“That kind of language, I think, is wholly inappropriate, I think he should apologise.”
BREAKING: UK GDP rate only grew 0.1% in last three months of 2025 - despite Rachel Reeves's attempts to bolster economy
The UK economy grew by just 0.1 per cent between October and December last year, the Office for National Statistics has revealed.
Mel Stride hits back at Rachel Reeves with fierce-take down of Labour's Brexit plans
Sir Mel Stride has hit back at Rachel Reeves's remarks last night, urging Labour to accept that their "poor choices" have led to economic hardship - not Brexit.
"It’s no secret that Reeves and Starmer have wanted to row back on Brexit since day one," Sir Mel said.
"Labour are desperate to blame anyone but themselves for their economic failures.
"Under increasing pressure from their own soft-left colleagues following the Mandelson scandal, Starmer and Reeves would rather point the finger at Brexit than accept their poor choices have been a disaster for our economy."
It's not just the Chancellor... Sadiq Khan reveals his 'ultimate goal' is to reverse Brexit as he declares: 'We need Europe!'
Sir Sadiq Khan has said his "ultimate goal" is to reverse Brexit.
The Mayor of London revealed he eventually wants Britain to rejoin the EU, and believes it will happen within his lifetime.
In the meantime, he called for Britain to rejoin the single market and customs union - flying directly in the face of his party.
Earlier this week, Downing Street ruled out rejoining the customs union after Valdis Dombrovskis, the European commissioner for economy and productivity, said the EU would be open to the idea.
SIr Sadiq said told The Observer: "Brexit was the biggest act of economic self-harm any country’s ever done."
"My ultimate goal is for us to rejoin and I think it will happen in my lifetime. I definitely want us to be part of a customs union.
"I’m somebody who’s an advocate for us being part of a single market. I think we can negotiate more now, because of how geopolitics has changed, than we could in 2016 or 2019.
"Europe needs us and we need Europe.”
RECAP: What did Rachel Reeves say at the WEF - just three weeks ago?
PICTURED: Chancellor Rachel Reeves speaks alongside US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Davos
| GETTYAt the World Economic Forum's annual gathering in Davos last month, the Chancellor vowed Britain "could not go back in time" on Brexit.
"Since we’ve left the EU, we have done trade deals with India, with the US, with South Korea," she said.
"I don’t think you have to return to the customs union to seize greater benefits of free and fair trade."
That was seen as a slap-down to calls from around the Cabinet table to cosy back up to Brussels.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle had claimed it would be "crazy" for Britain not to consider the idea of joining a customs union.
Deputy PM David Lammy said it was "self-evident" that the British economy had been hurt by Brexit, adding that Turkey's economy had grown since it forged greater ties with Brussels by joining a customs union.
And Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that being part of the customs union had yielded “enormous economic benefits" before Brexit.
RECAP: No10 insider goes public to reveal details of exactly what Keir Starmer knew about close aide's paedophile links
Sir Keir Starmer backed nominating his former communications chief for a peerage despite being told of his links to a paedophile councillor, an ex-No10 adviser has claimed.
Tim Allan, who resigned from No10 on Monday, confirmed the Prime Minister's ex-chief of staff Morgan McSweeney instructed him to discuss Matthew Doyle's friendship with Sean Morton.
The Prime Minister was first made aware of concerns about Lord Doyle's relationship with Morton on December 4...