Angela Rayner has amassed over £1m to fund a possible challenge to Keir’s leadership. She has set up The Office of Angela Rayner Ltd to run operations and is courting donors and supporters, with talk of roles for backers. The move fuels expectations of a bid within months.

Andy Burnham has announced a bid to return to Westminster by seeking selection for the Gorton and Denton seat, putting pressure on the PM. Allowing him to run risks empowering a rival; blocking him could trigger internal unrest and a leadership challenge within Labour.

Robert Jenrick drafted a media plan branding himself “the new sheriff in town” ahead of a planned defection to Reform UK, according to a leaked memo reportedly seen by Kemi Badenoch. The strategy outlined slogans and profile tactics as he prepared to leave the Conservatives.

Nigel Farage says the PM’s defence spending is too low, undermining the UK’s standing. Senior officers warn of a funding gap and reduced readiness, while appeals from an exiled leader for UK backing intensify pressure to boost budgets and modernise forces.