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.

Peter Mandelson has quit the Lords amid scrutiny over ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The Met has opened a criminal investigation into the peer. The PM signalled he could legislate to strip the title if he stayed on, while Starmer faces pressure for having appointed him to a role.