Keir Starmer urged to 'curtail' Lord Mandelson's influence

Sir Keir Starmer on his way to meet his new (ish) shadow cabinet
Sir Keir Starmer on his way to meet his new (ish) shadow cabinet Credit: Reuters

Sir Keir Starmer has been told to "curtail" Lord Mandelson, or risk the civil war deepening within the Labour Party. 

Over the weekend the architect of New Labour - who is said to be advising the current leadership - said at the weekend the "hard left factions attached to trade unions have got to go". 

Today Mick Whelan, boss of the train drivers' union Aslef and chair of the Tulo umbrella organisation, called on Sir Keir to cut ties with the Blairite peer, noting those comments "have caused considerable concern and anger". 

According to Labour List, he wrote: "The path to unity does not lie through any moves to reduce the union link, and the path to winning the country cannot lie through the party distancing itself from the collective voice of millions of working people."

John McDonnell, the Corbynite former shadow chancellor, went further.

"The reshuffle fiasco caused unnecessary divisions in the party at the weekend," he said. "Now our affiliated unions are being alienated by exposure of Mandelson’s strategy for Labour’s future. 

"Unless Keir Starmer curtails Mandelson’s influence there will be more division."

​​Follow the latest updates below.

                                                                                                    

And that's it for another day...

Boris Johnsonhas confirmed that May 17 will see a big jump in restrictions being eased as he dangles the hope of normality in front of the public - and his backbenchers. 

Tory MPs will be piling on the pressure for freedoms to be restored as quickly as possible, after England recorded zero Covid deaths today. UK-wide there were just four. 

However, it is Sir Keir Starmer who is under the greatest pressure, after last week's dismal showing at the polls and his botched reshuffle yesterday. Labour MPs are not going so far as to call for him to resign - one union source suggested he had another year to right the ship - but clearly, he will not be given an easy ride. 

Questions are being asked as to why he sought to put the blame on Angela Rayner - and whether it may prove to be a fatal decision. 

Nearly 2,000 readers responded to our poll today, but were split on whether he can cling on, with 34 per cent saying he will last until the next general election, 34 per cent saying it will come down to the Batley and Spen by-election and 32 per cent saying he will go now. 

Read on for more of today's news and analysis.

Boris Johnson hits out at voter ID claim

Boris Johnson during the press conference Credit: Getty

The last question is about plans to introduce voter ID, despite Boris Johnson having previously been against such a move. 

He is asked if he is trying to suppress anti-Tory votes. 

He says this is "nonsense". 

The Prime Minister defends the plans - which were in the Conservative manifesto - saying: "What we want to do is protect democracy and ensure we have a transparent process.

"I don't think it's unreasonable to ask first-time voters to produce some evidence of their identity."

Experts don't know if Indian variant could 'cause significant problems in autumn', admits CMO

The next question is about whether the Indian variant will destablise the unlocking plan. 

Prof Chris Whitty says there are three Indian variants, but there is one which has "gone up very sharply" which is of particular concern.

He notes that India going onto the red list means the number of cases arriving in the UK will be "reduced". 

It hasn't come out of nowhere, he says, and it is not impossible it could change things. 

"At this point in time, our view is it is less likely to be able to escape vaccination," he adds, but the evidence is not conclusive yet. 

"Of course, we don't know if this is going to cause significant problems in the autumn." 

It is a global problem and "all of us are determined to support" that effort, he says. 

Data suggesting future wave will be lower, says Sir Patrick Vallance

The next question is about whether this will be the last lockdown, and whether the future includes working from home. 

Sir Patrick Vallance says it is "a big step" and over the next month, many more people will be vaccinated. 

The balance is between the two but adds that "things are really pointing in a positive direction". 

Vaccines both reduce death and hospitalisation, and lower transmission, which means that there should be a smaller wave. 

Boris Johnson sidesteps questions about the end of social distancing

Boris Johnson and Sir Patrick Vallance at the podiums Credit: Getty

The next question is about whether the working from home advice will be scrapped in June, and who Boris Johnson will shake hands with first. 

The Prime Minister says he will "wait and give you more detail" about the end of social distancing later this month. 

"I am optimistic that things will get back much closer to normality... but clearly people are going to want to exercise their own judgement for time to come."

Boris Johnson: I will hug with caution and restraint

Boris Johnson is asked who he is looking forward to hugging first and what is appropriate hugging. 

He says "whoever I hug, it will be done with caution and restraint - I am not going to act it out now".  

The Prime Minister says the data means "we may be able to dispense with the one-metre-plus rule". The Government will give as much clarity as possible ahead of June 21. 

Sir Patrick Vallance says better ventilation, working from home if possible and continued behaviour "which means contact won't be back to pre-pandemic levels" will help after June 21.

Before the pandemic, adults have on average 11 contacts a day: currently it is around four. 

But if rates go back up, face masks might be needed again "but those aren't big impositions on any of us". 

Boris Johnson: No change to roadmap timeline

Boris Johnson at the press conference Credit: Getty

The first question from journalists is if there is any chance of speeding up the roadmap. 

Boris Johnson says the "secret of our success so far is that we have been guided by the data". 

The delay in acting allows experts to assess the impact of each step, he explains. 

From Monday it is a "very considerable unlocking" which will result in extra movement and contact. 

He returns to the Indian variant as a reason for caution. 

Boris Johnson: Hugging should only be done 'if appropriate'

The next question from a member of the public is about vaccinating younger teachers and school staff as restrictions ease. 

Boris Johnson says hugging should be done "if appropriate" but people "should exercise care and common sense". 

There is a greater risk for those without vaccination, but even those who have had both doses still have a risk of transmission.

"It's up to all of us to exercise caution", he adds. 

Indian variant increase 'concerning', says Prof Whitty

Boris Johnson opens the questions up to the public, the first of which is about which proportion of cases is from variants of concern. 

Prof Whitty answers by referring to the previous slide, but he confirms it is less than five per cent "but that is changing all the time". 

The "one that is slightly concerning us in terms of increase" is the Indian variant. 

But it is increasing "from very low levels".

Variants test most challenging, admits Prof Whitty 

The last test - which Prof Whitty says is the most challenging - is about variants. 

He says there is "some confidence" that vaccines provide "a reasonable degree" of protection, but that might change. 

There are also more transmissible variants, such as that from India. 

Variants of concern

 One to watch. 

No significant pressure on NHS expected as a result of easing

The next slide shows that there is "still a risk of significant spread" among younger groups. 

Test 2

 The next test is about pressure on the NHS - which has come down considerably. 

"We do not think there is a likelihood... of a significant pressure on the NHS," Prof Whitty says, despite the "assumed increase in transmission".

Test three

Chris Whitty: Tests have been met for relaxing restrictions

Professor Chris Whitty then goes through the tests that have to be met and the first is the vaccination programme, which has been very successful. 

First test Credit: First test

The next slide shows the second test, which is about reducing hospitalisations, showing the protection from both the first and second dose.

Prof Whitty says the second test has been "undoubtedly met". 

Second test

Boris Johnson urges common sense as restrictions relax

Boris Johnson says there is "no evidence" to suggest variants are "completely vaccine resistant" but that we must be cautious. 

He notes the situation in other countries should be a guide for what could happen if we let our guard down. 

Today's change will allow us to "do many of the things we yearn to", but we must "exercise common sense", he adds. 

And there's more: Hugging advice to change from Monday

Boris Johnson hails the "very considerable step on the road to normality". 

From Monday the will be a change in the guidance to "close contact such as hugging", he says. 

Subject to the impact on data of this step, he says the country remains on track to move to step four on June 24 - but more will be said later this month on that and "what role, if any", there will be for vaccine passports. 

He says outdoors will always be safer than indoors, and that people should open a window if possible. 

Boris Johnson confirms restrictions will lift on May 17

Boris Johnson begins by thanking everyone for their patience, including businesses, families and religious groups who have been unable to meet. 

"Your efforts have so visibly paid off", the Prime Minister says, as he highlights the vaccine programme success. 

"It is precisely because of your efforts I can confirm we have met the four tests for further easing of lockdown," he adds. 

That means from May 17, indoor socialising can restart, including hospitality, theatres and sports venues. Travel within the country will also be possible and face masks will no longer be required in classrooms. 

Keir Starmer posts picture with Angela Rayner centre stage

Sir Keir Starmer has tweeted his congratulations to Andy Burnham for being re-elected as Mayor of Greater Manchester. 

So far, so what: but the Labour leader has chosen a picture of himself and Mr Burnham with Angela Rayner taking centre stage. 

A coded apology? A mea culpa? Or perhaps his dogged insistence that she was always intended to take a more visible role in the weekend's botched reshuffle...?

What to expect from today's press conference

While Boris Johnson can probably expect a relatively easy ride at tonight's Downing Street press conference there are still a couple of areas where he could come under pressure from journalists. 

One is the question of his holiday to Mustique, although the response to these kinds of allegations feel fairly well-worn by now. 

The other might be the question of the vaccine patent waiver, after the US changed its stance. The UK is still in line with the EU on this - but it would be a moral victory if the Prime Minister moves before Brussels. 

Countdown’s Rachel Riley in court battle with former Jeremy Corbyn aide over ‘Nazi’ tweet

Rachel Riley arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, for the libel case  Credit: PA

The Countdown star Rachel Riley was libeled by a former aide to Jeremy Corbyn over a “sarcastic” tweet, the High Court has heard.  

Ms Riley, 35, has been locked in a libel dispute with Laura Murray, a former Labour adviser, since March 3 2019, when Mr Corbyn had an egg thrown at him by a Brexit supporter during a visit to Finsbury Park Mosque in north London.

Responding to the incident, Ms Riley shared an old tweet by the Guardian columnist Owen Jones about an attack on the British National Party leader Nick Griffin, in which Mr Jones wrote: "I think sound life advice is, if you don't want eggs thrown at you, don't be a Nazi."

Ms Murray later tweeted: "Rachel Riley tweets that Corbyn deserves to be violently attacked because he is a Nazi. This woman is as dangerous as she is stupid. Nobody should engage with her. Ever."

Read the full details here.

Labour MP accuses Keir Starmer of 'despicable act of cowardice' 

Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of a "despicable act of cowardice" after he tried - and failed - to sack deputy leader Angela Rayner. 

Kim Johnson, Labour's MP for Liverpool Riverside, said Ms Rayner "was scapegoated because Keir, after the dismal and disappointing election results, said he was going to take full responsibility."

"And then to apportion blame to Angie and to sack her from her position was a despicable act of cowardice from my point of view," she told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire.

"But, hey, what a difference a day makes – from being sacked to gaining three key positions on the frontbench, and I do really look forward to seeing Ange at the despatch box against Michael Gove."

Further four Covid deaths registered in UK

A further four people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Monday, bringing the UK total to 127,609.

Separate figures published by the UK's statistics agencies show there have been 152,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

The Government also said that, as of 9am on Monday, there had been a further 2,357 lab-confirmed cases in the UK.

It brings the total to 4,437,217.

Tory MP raises warning over vaccine patent waiver

An open letter signed by 400 health experts, politicians, charities and faith leaders has urged Boris Johnson to "stand on the right side of history" by waiving vaccine patents. 

The letter, organised by Global Justice Now, StopAIDS, and Just Treatment, has called on the UK Government to follow the US example, adding: "Action is profoundly urgent.

"New waves of Covid-19 are rising across the globe while epidemiologists warn that new mutations risk leaving current vaccines ineffective... We urge you to now provide the leadership to ensure an end to this global crisis. Defending intellectual property at all costs will not only lead to even more unnecessary loss of lives but is an unprecedented act of collective self-harm."

But Tory MP Kevin Hollinrake has warned this could lead to unintended consequences.

Surge testing begins in North Kensington

Surge testing has begun in North Kensington after a "small number" of South African variant cases were found in the W11 postcode. 

The confirmed cases self-isolated as required and their contacts have been identified, the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed. There are no links between these cases and the cluster of cases of this variant recently identified in the South London area.

All adults over 16 who live or work in the area are being strongly encouraged to take a Covid PCR test, whether they are showing symptoms or not.

Enhanced contact tracing will be used for those who test positive, looking back over an extended period in order to determine the route of transmission. 

That's magic:  How to make a majority disappear

Paul Daniels: How to make a majority disappear into thin air Credit: Shutterstock

You'll like this... not a lot, but you'll like it.

I'm told there is a gag running around Westminster that Labour's Hartlepool candidate Paul Williams should be renamed Paul Daniels "because he made the majority disappear into thin air".

At least, this is what passes for a joke among politicians. 

Sir Keir Starmer's senior aide blamed for botched reshuffle 

Keir Starmer and Jenny Chapman (R) ahead of a speech last year Credit: Shutterstock

Sir Keir Starmer's most senior aide is being blamed for the some of the party's most recent difficulties, including its failure in Hartlepool and the botched attempt to sack Angela Rayner. 

Sources suggest that Jenny Chapman, the MP for Darlington from 2010 to 2019, was instrumental in choosing the pro-Remain candidate Paul Williams to run in a Brexit-backing seat, and to have pushed for the by-election to take place on Super Thursday, spreading Labour's resources thinly. 

It is also said that she was one of three aides in the room during the weekend's reshuffle.

"Jenny Chapman is spectacularly inept - why she is being kept on is anyone's guess," said a union source.  "Angela Rayner was shafted to spare Jenny Chapman."

'No move' against Keir Starmer for another year, says union source

Sir Keir Starmer has another year to prove he is making headway reversing Labour's fortunes before "the good knight is asked to fall on his sword", a union source has said. 

The leader is currently safe from leadership challenges because "it is simply a numbers game and the arithmetic doesn't add up - plus, there isn't a plausible candidate", he added. 

"There isn't a move against Keir but there is a feeling... that he has disappointed many of his own supporters," the source told the Telegraph. He must "be more decisive - not regurgitate and reheat the leftovers of 1997... not to drift back to the Mandy world but to look forward."

Giving Sir Keir another year would leave the party enough time to jettison him before a general election. 

"It's like changing manager in the Premier League at Christmas: you have had half the season, you've got the transfer window in January, then another six months of season to stave off relegation," he added.  

Tim Stanley: It shouldn't be a shock to the Left-wing media that people vote Tory

I think Boris can safely re-tile the kitchen now, writes Tim Stanley.

Much of the broadcast media was convinced his No 10 makeover would hurt him in last Thursday’s elections. But the mood on Have I Got News for You on Friday, recorded when the votes weren’t counted but obvious nevertheless, was funereal.
Why, the host asked, didn’t Wallpapergate cut through? Given that this show created the Boris phenomenon, much like The Apprentice invented Donald Trump, the confusion is strange.
You could not tell from the TV or t’internet zeitgeist that the Tories were going to win Hartlepool, and journalists looked suicidal when they did.

Read the rest of Tim's column here.

Michael Gove sidesteps questions about court block for IndyRef2

Michael Gove has refused to rule out the prospect that the UK Government could take the Scottish Government to court if Nicola Sturgeon tries to press ahead with a second independence referendum.

Speaking to journalists today, after Nicola Sturgeon claimed the Holyrood election result made IndyRef2 inevitable, the Cabinet Office minister insisted the Government was "purely and principally" focused on recovery at the moment. 

"It is not a conversation we believe is right to have at this moment, because it can only be a diversion of energy and attention at a time when there are far more pressing issues," he added. 

But asked if the UK Government would take legal action to block a second referendum, Mr Gove would only say: "I'm not getting into the whole question of court and litigation and all the rest of it, because if we start theorising in the area then we are sucking oxygen out of the room when we should all be concentrating on recovery."

"To my mind every second spent asking questions about the Supreme Court is a second wasted when it comes to concentrating on the issues in hand."

Keir Starmer dodges hard questions in first Labour meeting since election defeats

Sir Keir Starmer faced further criticism this morning after failing to take questions at a meeting with Labour staff in the wake of his chaotic reshuffle. 

Following the civil war sparked over the weekend by his decision to strip Angela Rayner of her duties as party chair and national campaign coordinator, the Labour leader said the party remained "too internally focussed" and needed to begin engaging better with voters.

However, Sir Keir's refusal to take questions alongside David Evans, the party’s general secretary, was met with dismay among some present, with one source describing the meeting as “awful”. 

It comes after his attempt to sack Angela Rayner was savaged by Labour figures across the board, including Diane Abbott, who said it was "foolish". 

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, said: "I didn't like the way that was handled... I don't think the way Angela was treated was right."

Welsh Secretary Nia Griffiths told BBC Radio 4's Westminster Hour: "We would all like to have seen things happen a little more smoothly."   

Batley and Spen MP formally resigns - triggering the by-election

Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin has resigned, after winning the West Yorkshire mayoral race, triggering a by-election. 

That means Labour will have to return to the Red Wall perhaps sooner than they would have liked.

Don't let polluters use Cop26 to greenwash their reputation, Government told

The Government has been called on to ensure those with "vested interests" are kept at arm's length from the totemic climate summit later this year. 

Left-leaning MPs from Labour and the Lib Dems have written to Cop26 president Alok Sharma asking him to "publish the criteria by which it accepts sponsors" for the conference, saying "heavily polluting" firms should not be allowed to "greenwash" their credentials. 

They have also called for a new conflicts of interest policy to stop "these huge lobbying forces having a disproportionate influence". 

Lobby latest: Pandemic, not referendum, is priority

Downing Street has refused to be drawn on issues relating to Scotland's future, insisting the focus must be on tackling coronavirus.

"Ministers and officials across all UK Government departments are currently focused on tackling the Covid-19 pandemic," the Prime Minister's official spokesman said.

"Throughout the recent elections all party leaders across the UK said Covid recovery should be our shared priority and that's what the UK Government is going to be focusing on."

The spokesman said Boris Johnson had been in contact with the Scottish and Welsh First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford "to discuss the shared challenges".

Labour reshuffle is 'not a sign of weakness', says former MP

A former Labour MP has said the party "has to now listen to the public" after the continued collapse in the Red Wall.

Gareth Snell, who served for two years between 2017 and 2019, told Sky News that his party should "use our ears - and listen to what we are being told". 

He insisted Sir Keir Starmer had faced an "unprecedented challenge" because of the pandemic, but praised him for the reshuffle which would help "provide a comprehensive positive agenda for the future, that is both deliverable and affordable, and reinstate some of the trust in the Labour party that we have lost in recent years". 

Angela Rayner's move would "take the fight to the Tories", he added - echoing comments the leader has reportedly made to his shadow cabinet today. 

The reshuffle "isn't a sign of weakness - it is a sign of strength".

Lobby latest: Cabinet signs off next stage on roadmap

Ahead of his press conference this afternoon, Boris Johnson as updated his Cabinet on the latest statistics related to Covid-19 and the move "to step three of the road map".

The Prime Minister's official spokesman told Westminster reporters: "The Prime Minister started Cabinet by reiterating his determination to deliver on the commitments made to the British public, to level up and build back better from the pandemic.

"Cabinet then received an update on the latest statistics relating to Covid-19 and the Prime Minister led the discussion on moving to step three of the road map.

"Cabinet agreed the plan that the Prime Minister will set out in a press conference later today."

Lobby latest: Boris Johnson was transparent over Mustique trip, says No 10

Downing Street has insisted that Boris Johnson "transparently declared" his new year break in Mustique, amid an investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards (see 11:21am).

The Prime Minister's official spokesman told a Westminster briefing: "The Prime Minister transparently declared the benefit in kind in the Commons register of interests."

Asked if the Government believe that the public think the rules matter, the spokesman said: "Clearly the rules are set out and it's important that everyone abides by them, as the Prime Minister has done throughout."

Angela Rayner has 'big new role', Sir Keir Starmer tells shadow cabinet

Not so long ago, the pair were toasting each other (with alcohol-free drinks) Credit: Getty

Sir Keir Starmer has told his shadow cabinet that deputy leader Angela Rayner had "a big, new role, taking the fight to the Tories".

The Labour leader, who has been heavily criticised for the failed attempt to oust her over the weekend, met his reshuffled top team at Westminster today for the first time following the party's losses in last week's election.

He was said to have used the meeting to make much of Ms Rayner's beefed up role - despite the fact that it appears to have been arrived at after a weekend of wrangling between the two camps. 

Of the elections disaster, Sir Keir told his frontbench: "To be clear, I take responsibility. Nobody else. I lead the Labour Party and it is entirely on me."

Queen's Speech: How Covid will change the ceremony

Queen's Speech: Prince Phillip last attended in 2016 Credit: AFP

Tomorrow we will learn what legislation Boris Johnson plans to bring forward in the coming year. But the Queen's Speech will look rather different to normal. 

Normally the most colourful event of the parliamentary year, steeped in tradition and customs dating back centuries, the pomp and ceremony has been reduced in 2021 to prevent any spread of coronavirus.

There will be no carriages, and the Queen, in day dress and hat, will travel from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster in a State Bentley. The Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland will not hand the speech directly to the Queen as is usually the custom, but place it on a table instead.

Significantly fewer politicians and peers will be there compared with previous years and no diplomatic or non-parliamentary guests have been invited, with just 108 people attending including the Queen. All will wear masks and have to take tests before attending. 

It will be the Queen's first major public ceremonial duty since the death of the Duke of Edinburgh just over a month ago. The Prince of Wales, who has stepped in for his father since 2017, will join his mother once again. 

In case you were wondering...

.... Anneliese Dodds says her demotion, from shadow chancellor to Labour Party chair, is "a real privilege". 

Have your say: Can Keir Starmer cling on?

Sir Keir Starmer might have hoped to draw a line under Labour's terrible showing at the polls last week - but his protracted reshuffle has only served to inflame tensions further. 

So far, MPs are publicly critical, but stopping short of calling for a new leader (see 9:06am). However, there has already been one frontbench resignation - Khalid Mahmood, who explains why in an article for the Telegraph here - and the knives are clearly out. 

A key point could be the Batley and Spen by-election triggered by Tracy Brabin's victory in the West Yorkshire mayoral race. If Labour lose that seat, it could be curtains for Sir Keir. 

Yet there seems to be little appetite for anyone else to take over, which could keep him safe until the next general election. 

So how long will he survive? Have your say in the poll below. 

Labour figures return to Westminster after reshuffle

Parliamentary recesses are often seen as a good opportunity for beleagured leaders to get a bit of breathing space from angry backbenchers and would-be leadership rivals. 

In fact, Theresa May was once rumoured to be keen to extend the 2017 summer holiday to dampen the threat of a coup. 

This is also why reshuffles tend to happen just before breaks: it gives former big beasts who have been cut down time to lick their wounds away from Westminster - and away from colleagues with whom they may plot revenge. 

Unfortunately for Sir Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner and Anneliese Dodds are already back in SW1 - and with the Queen's Speech tomorrow, there will be no such breathing space.

Angela Rayner is seen in Parliament ahead of a shadow cabinet meeting. Credit: London News Pictures
Former shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds in Westminster Credit: Reuters

Covid alert level dropped ahead of PM's roadmap press conference

The Covid-19 alert level has been downgraded across the UK, after a "consistent" fall in cases, hospital admissions and deaths.

In a joint statement issued by the four chief medical officers, the threat level was lowered from four to three.   

It comes ahead of Boris Johnson's press conference in Downing Street later to announce the next steps in England's road map out of lockdown.

The Prime Minister is expected to announce that people in England will be able to take a step closer to normality from next week as more indoor mixing and hugging loved ones will be permitted once more. 

Sadiq Khan won't challenge Keir Starmer, saying he is 'my leader'

Sadiq Khan has stressed that "politics is a team sport" as Labour becomes engulfed in more infighting, following the party's dismal performance at the polls. 

"We have got to realise that tribal politics has gone," he told Sky News. "People vote or you on basis of what you have to offer - it's more transactional.

"We have got to realise that in some parts of the country we are out of the races. I am fed up with being in opposition nationally."

But asked if he was willing to throw his hat into the ring to become Labour leader, the London mayor replied: "Keir is our leader, Keir is my leader, he is going a great job."

Momentum: Labour needs 'drastic change in direction'

The weekend's reshuffle was "a shambles and probably typifies Keir Starmer time  as Labour leader", the vice chair of Momentum has said. 

Callum Bell told Sky News the election results were "an utter disaster" and that the party needed to undertake "a drastic change in direction".

He argued that 2019 was "the Brexit election" and that Labour 2017 manifesto was "lapped up by the public".

Analysis: Starmer's drawn out reshuffle has echoes of Theresa May's troubles

Far from asserting his authority, the reshuffle has served to show just how weak Starmer is Credit: Reuters

Sir Keir Starmer might have hope to reassert his authority by launching a quick-fire reshuffle of his top team.

But as the day wore on, and allies of Angela Rayner hit out at his abortive attempt to sack the deputy leader, it shared much with Theresa May's ill-fated effort in 2018. 

Dubbed "the night of the blunt stiletto" by The Telegraph, Ms May failed to sack a single Cabinet minister. Jeremy Hunt, whom the then prime minister wanted to demote, actually walked away with a beefed up role - a move that was echoed by Ms Rayner yesterday. 

Other rumoured demotions, such as that of potential leadership rival Lisa Nandy, did not materialise, although Sir Keir did boot out some underperformers such as Anneliese Dodds, who had long been in the at-risk column.

Even the most successful reshuffles create enemies for prime ministers. The problem for Sir Keir is that he may just have made enemies within his top team, as well as outside it. 

And far from asserting his authority, the reshuffle may have served to show just how weak he is.

Sadiq Khan admits Labour reshuffle has 'not gone smoothly'

Sadiq Khan has said that Sir Keir Starmer was "right" to make changes to his team following the results of nationwide elections over the weekend.

"The results last week were mixed but Keir is right to make changes to make sure we can earn back the trust and confidence across the country," he told Sky News.  "I've been involved in reshuffles before, it's like three-dimensional chess in relation to how you conduct them.

He added: "I'm sure it's not gone as smoothly as Keir would have liked ... and I wish him well over the next 24 hours. He's got a great new team around him."

Keir Starmer's 'foolish' reshuffle inflames Labour civil war

Sir Keir Starmer's "foolish" attempt to sack Angela Rayner from the party's frontbench has further inflamed Labour's civil war, following the dire election results that filtered out over the weekend. 

Ms Rayner was removed as party chair and campaign coordinator but could not be ejected from her elected role as deputy leader, and ended up being handed a swathe of new responsibilities. 

Over the course of a botched and protracted reshuffle, other female faces including shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds and shadow leader Valerie Vaz also lost their roles. Rachel Reeves has been promoted to go toe-to-toe with Rishi Sunak. 

Veteran MP and Corbyn ally Diane Abbott this morning blasted the leadership for having "tried to sack Angie Rayner to make her carry the can for the weekend".

She told Radio 4's Today programme: "It was a very foolish thing to do - she didn’t take any of the big decisions around Hartlepool. No one up and down the country is saying 'people weren't voting Labour because of Angie Rayner'.

"It was a foolish thing to even think about and he has had to walk it back."

Angela Rayner: Boris Johnson holiday probe is proof of 'more sleaze and dodgy dealings'

Labour's un-demoted deputy leader Angela Rayner has hit out at the news that Boris Johnson is under investigation for his trip to Mustique, saying it is proof of "more sleaze and dodgy dealings".

Fresh from not being sacked, Ms Rayner said: "The public have a right to know who paid for Boris Johnson’s luxury Caribbean holiday and the renovation of his flat. Most importantly, we need to know what these donors were promised or expected in return for their generosity.

"As we have seen over the last year, Tory donors have received a very high return on their investment in the form of government contracts. Boris Johnson needs to stop using the office of Prime Minister as an opportunity to fund his lavish lifestyle and enrich his mates."

Boris Johnson under investigation over holiday rules breach

Boris Johnson remains under investigation by the Commons watchdogover his controversial new year break in Mustique 16 months ago, it has been disclosed.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Kathryn Stone has confirmed for the first time that she is inquiring into whether the Prime Minister has properly declared the £15,000 stay on the luxury Caribbean hideaway, which he took with his finance Carrie Symonds over Christmas 2019.

Mr Johnson appears on a list of nine MPs currently under investigation by the commissioner published under new Commons rules.

The section it specifically referred to says that: “Members shall fulfil conscientiously the requirements of the house in respect of the registration of interests in the register of members’ financial interests. They shall always be open and frank in drawing attention to any relevant interest in any proceeding of the house or its committees, and in any communications with ministers, members, public officials or public office holders.”

The commissioner said the matter under investigation was: “Registration of interest under category 4 of the guide to the rules [visits outside the UK] in 2020.”

 Sadiq Khan vows to 'build bridges' as he is sworn in

Sadiq Khan at his swearing-in ceremony Credit: Reuters

Sadiq Khan has said he is "truly humbled" to be elected for a second term as Mayor of London, as he vowed to work to help "build bridges" in a country that remains "deeply divided".

The re-elected mayor said it was "fitting" that his swearing-in ceremony was taking place at the Globe Theatre "because it is a story of resilience and renewal". 

"It is time to put the dark days of the past behind us ... for all those who call this great city home," he added.

Mr Khan said the election results showed that "our country, and even our city, remains deeply divided".

"I pledge to build bridges that keep us closer together, rather than the walls that drive us apart," he said.

Nick Timothy: Sir Keir Starmer isn’t the solution to the Labour Party’s crisis, he’s the cause

Like a great white shark, when opposition leaders stop moving forward, they die, writes Nick Timothy.

Under Sir Keir Starmer, Labour are going backwards, and so he finds himself in a crisis from which he is unlikely to escape.Facing a huge Tory majority, there are no close votes in Parliament. The most important dissent or criticism of the Prime Minister comes from within his party rather than the party sitting opposite him.  Like other modern opposition leaders, such as William Hague and Iain Duncan Smith, Starmer set out with a plan to change his party and forge a new coalition of voters to take him to victory. But like Hague and Duncan Smith, he has won over too few new supporters and lost too many former voters to make progress.He is left with a choice between challenging his party, risking further losses, and placating it, destroying his chance to win new support. He will never admit it – perhaps even to himself – but he will end up choosing the latter.

Read the rest of Nick's column here.

Andy Burnham: Way Angela Rayner was treated is not right

Andy Burnham has attacked the Labour leadership for trying to sack Angela Rayner, saying: "I don't think the way Angela was treated was right". 

Asked about the attempt to oust the deputy leader, the Greater Manchester mayor said: "I didn't like the way that was handled, I'll be honest, and I didn't see why we were getting a negative story on Saturday night when myself and Steve Rotheram and other people around the country had good victories to celebrate.

"That wasn't right... I don't think the way Angela was treated was right.

"But it's been resolved and we move on from this morning," he added. "There's a shadow cabinet in place now.

"I hope that they are getting on with the job in exactly the same way that I am getting on with the job."

Stop Labour's civil war and focus on 'making change happen', says Andy Burnham

The re-elected Mayor of Greater Manchester has called on Labour to stop the "civil war" and focus on getting the party back into power.

Andy Burnham said: "It's been a difficult time for Keir to come in as leader, it's not been a normal time. I think we've got a mixed set of results here, rather than the early narrative that this was catastrophic - definitely not.

"These are mixed results, plenty to build on, but Keir does need to now pick up what the public are saying."

He added: "Labour needs to move on from the left and the right conducting this civil war within, focus on delivery now and making change happen and celebrating Labour in power - because this is Labour in power, look at what we're doing."

Highlighting mayoral successes such as Tracy Brabin in West Yorkshire, he added: "This is a huge opportunity for us and today is a day to be really positive about what Labour can achieve in power."

Sadiq Khan sworn back in as London mayor - but the race was tougher than forecast

London should have been an easy win for Labour - but the mayoral race become a closer run contest than anyone predicted, suggesting that even in the capital, Sir Keir Starmer has his work cut out. 

At one point the polls had Sadiq Khan surging ahead to such an extent that he would win on first preferences, but in the end it went to the second round before he was declared the winner with 55.2 per cent of the votes, while Conservative candidate Shaun Bailey took 44.8 per cent. 

Did Labour take London for granted? Was Mr Khan keeping too low a profile? Or is the wider political realignment encompassing the capital too?  These will be questions that Labour - and the Tories - will be asking in the coming weeks and months. 

For today, though, Mr Khan will be relieved to be back for his swearing in ceremony. 

Sadiq Khan and his wife walk past the Globe ahead of his swearing in ceremony Credit: Getty
Relieved: Sadiq Khan won with a slimmer majority than had been forecast Credit: Getty

Labour must 'admit world is changing' and adapt to it, says Gordon Brown

The Labour Party must "admit the world is changing" and "adapt to that change", former prime minister Gordon Brown has said. 

Speaking to Sky News, the one-time leader said the weekend's dire results for Labour "shows the electoral map is changing, the world is changing around us, the problems are different to what they were 10 or 20 years ago". 

There were "seismic changes" including a rise in nationalism, poverty and inequality, he added, noting: "You can't have a policy that doesn't change". 

"You can't go back to 1997, or even to the manifesto of 2019." 

He added: "People have shown... they are demanding to be listened to. They are not going to be treated as anything other than first class citizens."

Gordon Brown calls for 'more inclusive centre' to to break up of Union

Gordon Brown has said the time preparing for a second independence referendum would be "better used looking at how Britain can do things better". 

The former prime minister called fr a "more inclusive centre", attacking Boris Johnson for not having "consulted people in course of two or three years". 

He told Sky News: "There should be a permanent forum between Scotland, Wales and the regions...you can't just rely on a few phones calls, ad hoc when things get difficult."

"Boris Johnson's Government does not seem inclusive.. there's no forum that brings together all the arts of the UK."

He also called for a UK-wide inquiry into what independence would actually result in, saying voters might be put off "once people know it means a separate pound, trading indifferent currencies, a border between England and Scotland, and means your pension is different".

Gordon Brown: Use 'drawn out' IndyRef process to make case for Union

"Nobody wants an immediate referendum," Gordon Brown has said, as he touts a new poll showing just 20 per cent of Scots want another vote on independence this year "or even by the end of next year". 

The former prime minister told Sky News the focus should be on "how the United Kingdom works and whether it can be more accommodating" for all the nations, including Wales and Northern Ireland, and regions.

He pointed to the success of the vaccine programme as a model for areas such as the economy, climate change and crime. 

Noting it was "a long, drawn out process", Mr Brown said it would give the country time to "look at what independence really means" on policy areas such as the currency, borders and trade.  

Labour reshuffle was Sir Keir Starmer's 'decision alone', says MP

Decisions around the Labour shadow cabinet reshuffle were made solely by party leader Sir Keir Starmer, the newly-appointed national campaign co-ordinator.

"The decisions around personnel are for Keir Starmer, as the leader of the Labour Party, to make, and they are his decisions alone," Shabana Mahmood, the Birmingham Ladywood MP, told BBC Breakfast.

"What anybody else thinks does not matter.

"Keir has appointed his team, as he has the right to do, and it's the job of all of us to work together to try and find a way to build a winning voter coalition that can span across the country."

Labour demands answers over 'catastrophic blunder' on freeports

The Government has hit back against suggestions that a "catastrophic blunder" could see freeports facing tariffs on their exports to key markets including Switzerland, Canada, Norway and Singapore.

Emily Thornberry, the shadow international trade secretary, has written to Liz Truss to ask why she failed to remove wide-ranging "duty exemption prohibitions" contained in 23 of those agreements.

"On the surface of it, this looks like a catastrophic blunder by a minister stuck in her silo, and, as a result, I fear that manufacturers in towns, cities and regions across our country who have succeeded in bidding for freeport status risk missing out on access to key markets," the Labour frontbencher said. 

But a Government spokesman said: "There is no error and it is not uncommon for free trade agreements to have these provisions. Businesses will not be shut out of markets we have negotiated free trade deals with.

"They will benefit from both our free trade programme, and also from freeports, which provide tax breaks, simpler planning restrictions and cheaper imports."

Have your say: Can Keir Starmer cling on?

Sir Keir Starmer might have hoped to draw a line under Labour's terrible showing at the polls last week - but his protracted reshuffle has only served to inflame tensions further. 

So far, MPs are publicly critical, but stopping short of calling for a new leader (see 9:06am). However, there has already been one frontbench resignation - Khalid Mahmood, who explains why in an article for the Telegraph here - and the knives are clearly out. 

A key point could be the Batley and Spen by-election triggered by Tracy Brabin's victory in the West Yorkshire mayoral race. If Labour lose that seat, it could be curtains for Sir Keir. 

Yet there seems to be little appetite for anyone else to take over, which could keep him safe until the next general election. 

So how long will he survive? Have your say in the poll below. 

Batley and Spen by-election will be 'big test', Labour's campaign chief admits

Tracy Brabin's win in West Yorkshire is a Pyrrhic victory for Labour Credit: PA

The Batley and Spen by-election will be a "big test", the party's new campaign coordinator has said.

The contest is the last thing Labour needs right now - but is inevitable after current MP Tracy Brabin was named West Yorkshire mayor. 

Shabana Mahmood told BBC Breakfast: "It is no doubt going to be a big test. It is an important by-election for us. We have just won in West Yorkshire and that is the base on which we have to build.

"I am in no doubt as to the amount of work that needs to be done."

She will spend time in Batley and Spen to "learn the lessons we need to learn from the places where we have suffered defeat to earn the trust of voters again - that is the only show in town and that is the thing that the whole of our movement has to be focused on".

Publicly, Starmer's critics are holding back - for now

One-time Corbynites all seem to be singing from the same hymn sheet - suggesting a certain amount of coordination - when it comes to their criticism of Sir Keir Starmer. 

So far, the likes of Diane Abbott, John McDonnell and Rebecca Long-Bailey have insisted they are taking the moral high ground in not calling for a leadership contest. 

Speaking to Radio 4's Today programme this morning, the former shadow home secretary pointedly said: "I am not calling for Keir Starmer to step down, he is the choice of the members and I am old fashioned - I believe MPs should support the choice of the members.

"If only people had done that when Jeremy as leader we wouldn't be in this position now".

While Mr McDonnell was highly critical of the abortive attempt to sack Angela Rayner, he has also avoided calling for a new leader.

Placeholder image for youtube video: AMT3zkZGAtk

However, behind the scenes, the pressure is building on Sir Keir. The question is whether one of his colleagues will put their head above the parapet.

'No better person': Boris Johnson thanks David Attenborough for joining Cop26 team

Boris Johnson has thanked David Attenborough for agreeing to become "the Cop26 People's Advocate", ahead of the major climate change summit. 

The Prime Minister is throwing much weight behind this delayed conference in a bid to prove his green credentials. 

Rishi Sunak praises sacked 'thoughtful and constructive' shadow chancellor 

Rishi Sunak has praised his former counterpart Anneliese Dodds for her "thoughtful and constructive" work, after she was sacked at the weekend. 

The pair had some terse clashes over the last year, with Ms Dodds criticising the Chancellor for being slow in confirming the furlough scheme, for not better supporting the "excluded" and, more recently, quizzing him about David Cameron and Greensill. 

But today he thanked Ms Dodds for her work as he welcomed her replacement Rachel Reeves.

Labour Party must grapple with 'seismic changes' in society, says Gordon Brown

Former prime minister Gordon Brown has said the Labour Party needs to change as society is facing "seismic changes", such as widening social inequalities and nationalism.

"Keir Starmer and his leadership have got to deal with all these changes," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"So, the Labour Party has got to change, we can never have the same policies at 1997 - they can't be the same policies at 2019.

"He has got to be given the space and the power and the leaders working with him to change the Labour Party, so that it can deal with these fundamental challenges that have been aggravated by Covid."

Anneliese Dodds to lead policy review following Labour's dismal election results

Newly demoted Labour MP Anneliese Dodds will be working on a new policy programme that will better "speak to the hopes and dreams of the British public". 

Shabana Mahmood, the new campaign coordinator, told Radio 4's Today programme she would work with the woman who until yesterday was shadow chancellor to develop new ideas to win back voters at the next election. 

But challenged on whether that would include a change on freedom of movement or benefits, she stressed the changes would come following a review. 

"There has to be a policy review process, which we are now going to embark on together as a movement, to work out what is the programme that we need to be offering the country... it can't just be a debate we have with ourselves," she added. 

Labour has 'lost touch' with voters, says newly promoted MP

Labour has "lost touch" with parts of the country that have traditionally backed the party, because it has "lost that emotional connection", the newly-appointed campaign coordinator has said. 

Shabana Mahmood told Radio 4's Today programme: "We have got to find a way to rebuild that. I am not one of those people who believes we should just jettison parts of country as if could never win again."

Labour has to "grapple with the question [posed by] the new shape of policies in the 21st century", she said. 

"We have had some terrible results in parts of the country where still have a lot more work to do to earn trust of voters. Hartlepool was the biggest and one of the most painful," she added.

Labour must 'focus on moving forward', says promoted MP

One of the newly-promoted members of Sir Keir Starmer's team has said Labour must "focus on moving forward", after his reshuffle sparked further anger among backbenchers and party members. 

Shabana Mahmood, MP for Birmingham Ladywood and new campaign coordinator, said it had been "a very difficult couple of days for all of us in the Labour party.

"There have been results no one wants to see and headlines none of us and our supporters want to read, but we have to focus on moving forward, and what is going to happen next.

"Keir has accepted he has a lot more work to do, and we all have a role to play."

Who is in and who is out of Labour's top team: The reshuffle in full

After the laughter: Briefings over the weekend suggested Starmer had tried - and failed - to sack Rayner Credit: PA

Sir Keir Starmer's reshuffle took much of Sunday - and resulted in just a handful of jobs switching. 

But who is in and who is out? Here's the list of those who changed job last night:

  • Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves has replaced Anneliese Dodds as shadow chancellor.
  • Ms Dodds has replaced Angela Rayner as the party chair. Ms Rayner has been named shadow first secretary, shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and shadow secretary for the future of work.
  • Alan Campbell has replaced Nick Brown as shadow chief whip.
  • Junior business minister Lucy Powell has been promoted to shadow housing secretary.
  • That role's former incumbent, Thangam Debbonaire has replaced Valerie Vaz as shadow Commons leader. Ms Vaz leaves the frontbench.
  • Wes Streeting's role as shadow minister for schools has been bumped up to child poverty secretary.

We will be hugging again soon, says health minister, ahead of Boris Johnson's roadmap update

People will be able to hug each other "soon", a minister has confirmed, ahead of Boris Johnson's press conference this afternoon. 

Nadine Dorries, the health minister, told Radio 4's Today programme the "data is looking extremely positive", ahea of the lifting of restrictions, which includes up to six people being able to meet indoors. 

She said: "We don't legislate about what happens inside people's homes, we expect people to use common sense when inside their own homes, but we have all missed hugs, we have all missed that close and intimate contact with our friends and family.

"I am hopeful that we will be hugging again soon, indoors."

Social care bill will be included in Queen's Speech, says health minister

The long-awaited legislation to reform social care could be brought forward shortly, after health minister Nadine Dorries confirmed that it would be included in tomorrow's Queen's Speech.

"What is in the Queen's Speech is confined to the Queen's Speech, it will be announced by her majesty," she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"There will be mentions, I am sure, of social care in the Queen's Speech."

She added:  "What detail I can’t say today but… I am certain the social care bill will be in there."

Tories know IndyRef2 'is going to happen', says SNP

Conservatives "know" there will be a second Scottish independence referendum, the depute leader of the SNP has said, as the party ratchets up the pressure on Westminster.

Keith Brown told R4 that the "focus for now" should be dealing with the fallout of the pandemic,  but that the "best way for that to happen" would be to acknowledge that a referendum is inevitable. 

"We need the two governments working together whereby they agree the fact, as most Tories do, that the referendum is going to happen," he said. 

He claimed there had been a "change in language" from the Government, noting Michael Gove's push back on the "absurd" idea of blocking a referendum through the courts.  

Mr Brown added: "We will proceed with a referendum because that is the instruction of the people of Scotland... There are people in the Conservative party, whether in Westminster or Edinburgh, who know perfectly well it is going to happen."

Starmer reshuffles team amid threats over leadership

Sunday was full of chaos and confusion for Labour, as a major power struggle between the party’s two most powerful figures - Sir Keir Starmer and his deputy, Angela Rayner - left shadow cabinet ministers waiting until after 9pm to discover whether they would remain in post. 

By the end of Sunday evening, it was Ms Rayner who appeared to emerge victorious, having been promoted to the role of shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and wielding, her allies claim, more power over “party and policy”. 

When the reshuffle did come, it included a handful of sackings, including of chief whip Nick Brown and shadow commons leader Valerie Vaz, with shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds, the subject of prolonged speculation, also demoted.

Close allies were rewarded, including Rachel Reeves, who replaced Ms Dodds as shadow chancellor, and Wes Streeting, a junior education minister, who became shadow secretary for child poverty. 

But elsewhere, the changes were few and far between, appearing to confirm the suspicions of some in the party that what had been built up as a major shuffling of the pack had ended as little more than  a “damp squib.”

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