Pressure on the PM is mounting after 50 Labour MPs signed a letter protesting his move to block Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. They want an emergency party meeting to reverse it, warning it could trigger a leadership challenge before May’s local elections.

The PM is warned he could face a leadership challenge after personally moving to block Andy Burnham’s bid to enter Parliament via a by-election. The decision has intensified Labour infighting, with Burnham criticising the party’s process and senior figures voicing dismay.

Downing Street has paused plans to transfer control of the Chagos Islands, pulling a Lords debate after concerns from Washington. Officials call it a delay, but critics say the proposal could be shelved without US backing, citing the archipelago’s strategic importance.

A safe Labour seat in Greater Manchester is set to be vacated, creating a route for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster and potentially mount a leadership bid. The prospect has angered Starmer allies and could face competition from Nigel Farage.