Allies of the PM warned Labour MPs that ousting him could trigger a general election, saying any successor would need a fresh mandate. The message seeks to deter a challenge after a failed move to sideline Wes Streeting. With polling weak, rebels fear a contest could cost hundreds of seats.

Unemployment has risen to 5%, with claims that around 1,000 jobs a day are being lost. About 180,000 roles have vanished in a year, 64,000 in the past two months. Critics blame the Chancellor’s policies, including higher NI for firms; the Treasury says wider economic pressures are to blame.

Donald Trump threatens to sue the BBC for $1bn, demanding a full retraction, apology and compensation over a Panorama edit he says misrepresented a 2021 speech. The BBC calls it an error of judgement, denies systemic bias and faces scrutiny of its editorial standards.

BBC director-general Tim Davie resigned, with BBC News chief Deborah Turness also stepping down, after the broadcaster admitted an edited clip of Donald Trump in a Panorama programme caused damage to trust. An internal review found wider impartiality failures. Both leaders accepted responsibility.