Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar urged the PM, Sir Keir Starmer, to resign, saying his first loyalty is to the country over party. His move breaks with a close ally, while Cabinet ministers rallied behind Starmer, sharpening pressure and exposing divisions over Labour’s leadership.

Morgan McSweeney has resigned as the PM’s chief election strategist after a row centred on Peter Mandelson. Calling it “all my fault”, he leaves No 10 amid concern among allies that the episode has damaged authority and could prompt renewed internal challenges.

With polls sliding and rows over key policies, the PM faces a struggle to stay in post. Some MPs are testing support for a leadership change before the election, while allies urge unity and insist the government’s plans on the economy and migration will continue.

The PM faces backlash over his account of hiring Lord Mandelson, after admitting he knew of concerns about the peer’s ties to a disgraced financier before bringing him into No 10. MPs demand an independent inquiry into vetting, access and influence. Downing Street says processes were followed.