Robert Jenrick has warned about a potential “horse-trading” as the final voting round in the Conservative leadership race looms.
Speaking to Sky News on the media morning round, the former immigration minister suggested that strategic vote-swapping often occurs in the closing stages of leadership contests.
The rival suggested that he could be a victim of behind-the-scenes maneuvering influencing the final outcome.
It comes as Tom Tugendhat’s elimination saw the Tory leadership contest narrow to a final three contenders, with James Cleverly receiving a significant boost in support in Tuesday’s vote.
Mr Cleverly topped the ballot, securing 39 votes from Tory MPs – placing him as a frontrunner as the race intensifies, as a tight contest emerged between Mr Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch, who received 31 and 30 votes respectively.
Sir Keir Starmer heads into a tense PMQs session today, already grappling with a rebellion within his party north of the border over winter fuel payments.
Two senior Scottish Labour MSPs, Richard Leonard and Alex Rowley, defied their leadership by backing a motion in Holyrood calling for the government to reverse its cuts to the benefit.
As Sir Keir prepares to face Rishi Sunak, he is set to face questions over Sue Gray’s shocking resignation as his chief of staff, following internal disputes, and controversy over his acceptance of hospitality freebies.
Key Points
- Keir Starmer to face first PMQs grilling on Labour turmoil
- Jenrick and Badenoch battle for final spot in Tory leadership race
- Robert Jenrick says he could be a victim of ‘horse-trading’
- Poll: James Cleverly tops Keir Starmer as next prime minister
- Labour ‘pushed’ police for royal-style escort for Taylor Swift concert
Labour’s renters’ rights bill set for first parliamentary debate today
11:07
Salma Ouaguira
Angela Rayner’s highly anticipated renters’ rights legislation will take centre stage in parliament today.
It will mark its first debate as MPs prepare for a pivotal second reading.
The Renters’ Rights Bill promises to transform the rental landscape by abolishing Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, providing enhanced security and protections for millions of tenants across the UK.
The government argues that this legislation addresses one of the primary contributors to homelessness, while also tackling unjust rent hikes and extending the Decent Homes Standard to the private rental sector for the first time.
The deputy prime minister, emphasised the urgency of the bill, adding: “I am determined to get this bill in to law as soon as possible.
“The thousands of children and families living in unsafe housing or under the cruel threat of a Section 21 eviction notice have been waiting far too long already.
“We will deliver on our promise to renters and transform the sector into one where families can put down roots, where children can grow up in healthy homes, and where young people can save for their future.”
Senior Tory MP endorses Kemi Badenoch for leader
10:52
Salma Ouaguira
Any of the 3 @Conservatives leadership contenders wd be a credible leader. Until now, I have kept my counsel, but now I wish to make clear I will vote for @KemiBadenoch in today’s ballot. She has the most potential.
— Bernard Jenkin MP (@bernardjenkin) October 9, 2024
Lammy to urge immediate ceasefire during Middle East visit
10:48
Salma Ouaguira
Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to amplify calls for a ceasefire as he embarks on a crucial diplomatic mission to the Middle East.
Scheduled to meet with leaders in Bahrain and Jordan on Wednesday, Mr Lammy aims to foster discussions on enhancing security and stability in a region currently fraught with tension.
Before his visit, he said: “The situation is incredibly dangerous and further escalation or miscalculation in the region is in no one’s interests.
“I am pleased to be back in the region to meet with our key partners in Bahrain and Jordan and see first hand our combined efforts towards building long-term security and stability in the Middle East.
“We must not waver at this critical period to achieve ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, to get more desperately needed aid into Gaza, and secure the release of all hostages.”
Robert Jenrick says he could be a victim of ‘horse-trading’
10:34
Salma Ouaguira
Robert Jenrick has voiced concerns about potential “horse-trading” as the final voting round in the Conservative leadership looms.
Speaking to Sky News, the former immigration minister suggested that strategic vote-swapping often occurs in the closing stages of leadership contest.
He said: “I have been around long enough to know that in the last few votes in these leadership contests there are always people moving around votes and so on.”
Asked who he believed was involved, he replied: “I don’t know, but there is always a bit of horse-trading at the very end.”
Watch: Culture secretary calls out Sky News presenters for attending Taylor Swift concert in heated interview
10:30
Salma Ouaguira
Poll: James Cleverly tops Keir Starmer as next prime minister
10:13
Salma Ouaguira
James Cleverly has convinced the public as a viable future prime minister, a poll has revealed.
According to Ipsos, 21 per cent of Britons believe he stands the best chance of leading the nation if he secures the Conserve Party leadership.
This marks a notable 7-point increase since late September, just prior to the party conference.
In contrast, Robert Jenrick trails significantly at 10 per cent, while both Kemi Badenoch and eliminated rival Tom Tugendhat garner only 7 per cent each.
The key dynamic here appears to be a shift among those previously undecided, the number expressing uncertainty has dropped by 6 per cent, while those backing Mr Cleverly has risen by 7 per cent.
But despite his rise, a substantial 27 per cent of respondents remain unsure about the leadership race, and a 28 per cent believe none of the candidates currently have the markings of a prime minister.
Private school VAT raid facing legal action as ministers poised to introduce concessions for military
10:00
Salma Ouaguira
The government’s private school VAT raid is facing yet more problems, as three private Christian schools and a group of parents are set to launch a court challenge to the plan.
This comes as ministers are poised to provide concessions to military families, with the Treasury reportedly considering exemptions to the tax hike amid growing concern about the impact of the policy on service personnel.
Our political correspondent Millie Cooke has the full story below:
Downing Street was a ‘crack den' when I got there, says Boris Johnson
09:53
Salma Ouaguira
Boris Johnson has defended the costly refurbishment of his Downing Street residence, declaring it was essential because the official living quarters looked like a “crack den”.
Speaking during a promotional tour for his latest book Unleashed, the former prime minister addressed the controversy surrounding the renovations that reportedly cost over £112,000, above the taxpayer-funded limit of £30,000.
“The whole thing looked like a crack den, to be totally honest with you,” Mr Johnson said in an interview with LBC.
The refurbishment, led by high-profile designer Lulu Lyle, drew criticism not only for its lavish expense but also for claims that Conservative donor David Brownlow had partially funded the project.
The financial arrangement led to the Conservative Party facing a £17,800 fine from the Electoral Commission for failing to declare the donations appropriately.
Kemi Badenoch thanks Iain Duncan Smith for endorsement
09:46
Salma Ouaguira
In a significant boost for Kemi Badenoch’s leadership bid, former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith publicly endorsed her as the next party head.
It comes just hours before MPs cast their votes to narrow the leadership contest from three candidates down to the final two.
Sir Iain urged for a new leader to restore the party’s central values and core beliefs, insisting that Ms Badenoch is uniquely positioned to fulfil this role.
The shadow secretary thanked him after the endorsement.
Thank you for putting your faith in me, Iain https://t.co/w47HOWF99b
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) October 9, 2024
Labour’s worker rights bill can win over Tory and Reform voters, says union
09:37
Salma Ouaguira
Labour has a unique opportunity to attract disenchanted Tory and Reform voters with its ambitious overhaul of worker’s rights, according to the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
As the government prepares to unveil the new legislation aimed at granting new rights to seven million workers, trade union leaders held a meeting with ministers on Tuesday.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak emphasised the widespread appeal of Labour’s proposals, insisting that “after 14 years of stagnating living standards, people desperately want secure jobs”.
He criticised the Conservative government’s low-pay economy and highlighted the urgent need for a shift towards better working conditions.
The forthcoming bill promises a comprehensive transformation of employment rights, including new provisions for maternity leave and sick pay from day one, end zero-hours contracts and a ban on fire-and-rehire practices.
Starmer has ruled out biggest benefit to UK from EU reset, think tank
09:30
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer has already squandered the biggest potential dividends of his post-Brexit reset with the EU by ruling out a return to the single market and customs union, a report has warned.
The prime minister has repeatedly talked up his push to rebuild ties with the bloc after years of acrimony under successive Tory governments, promising that doing so will boost economic growth and living standards.
Our politics correspondent Archie Mitchell has the full story below:
What time is the final vote of the Tory leadership contest?
09:15
Salma Ouaguira
The Conservative Party is gearing up for the decisive final round of MP voting in its leadership contest.
The ballot is scheduled to kick off at 1.30pm today, with around 90 minutes on the clock for votes to be cast.
The results will be revealed at 3.30pm, determining which candidate will be eliminated from the race.
The remaining two contenders will then advance to face a vote from the wider Tory membership.
Here are yesterday’s results:
- James Cleverly: 39 votes (leading the race)
- Robert Jenrick: 31 votes
- Kemi Badenoch: 30 votes
- Tom Tugendhat: 20 votes (eliminated)
WATCH | Minister denies reports Labour ‘personally intervened’ to provide blue-light escort for Taylor Swift
09:00
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Iain Duncan Smith backs Kemi Badenoch
08:50
Salma Ouaguira
As today is the last parliamentary round to decide the final two contenders, I think it’s right to say who I hope will become the next leader of the @Conservatives Party.
— Iain Duncan Smith MP Chingford & Woodford Green (@MPIainDS) October 9, 2024
That person must be capable of returning the Party to its central values and core beliefs. Who recognises…
Robert Jenrick doubles down on Special Air Service claims
08:44
Salma Ouaguira
Conservative leadership contender Robert Jenrick has reiterated his belief that human rights regulations are constraining the Special Air Service (SAS) and compromising public safety.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Jenrick claimed that the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) limits the decision-making abilities of military planners.
Defending his position, he said: “The ECHR and our human rights apparatus is limiting the discretion of military planners when they come to decide how to conduct operations overseas and in some cases, it is leading them to do things like a lethal drone strike rather than sending in men and women on the ground.
“And I think that’s wrong. I want to ensure that those in charge of operations have the greatest discretion possible.
“I was supporting our special forces, not suggesting that they would act outside of the law.”
He added: “We can’t allow human rights to get in the way of keeping the public safe.”
Jenrick warns Tory leadership decision to ‘seal party’s fate'
08:36
Salma Ouaguira
Robert Jenrick has warned Conservative MPs voting this afternoon that the party risks being “stuck in the political wilderness for years” if it mishandles the contest.
In a final appeal for support ahead of today’s crucial vote on Sky News, the former immigration minister urged members to choose the right candidate.
After finishing second in yesterday’s ballot, Mr Jenrick found himself in a precarious position, barely edging out Kemi Badenoch, while James Cleverly surged ahead in first place.
With Tory MPs poised to cast their decisive votes this afternoon, only two candidates will advance to the final round.
Speaking on the morning media round, he said: “The polling suggests that of the candidates I am the best placed to win back the millions of voters we lost to Reform and the voters we lost on our Left to the Lib Dems.
“If we don’t do that then there is no future for our party and we will be stuck in the political wilderness for years to come.
“So the party needs now somebody who is professional, who is competent and is focused on the most salient issues.”
MPs pile pressure on Labour to oppose Saudi bid to join UN’s Human Rights Council
08:30
Salma Ouaguira
Parliamentary pressure is building on the UK government to vote against Saudi Arabia’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), in what has been described as a “litmus test” for the new Labour administration.
A letter to foreign secretary David Lammy – signed by MPs and peers from across parties – outlines concerns over the Kingdom’s human rights record, including the jailing of women’s rights advocates and a surge in executions.
Shared exclusively with The Independent, it warns that electing Saudi Arabia to the council would “undermine global confidence” in the UN’s ability to “protect human rights” and pleads with the foreign secretary “not to vote for such an unsuitable candidate”.
You can read the full story below:
Minister defends Labour’s actions over Taylor Swift police escort
08:20
Salma Ouaguira
Culture secretary Lisa Sandy has firmly denied any allegations of misconduct regarding the Labour government’s involvement in Taylorswift’s blue-light escort to her Wembley concert.
It comes after claims emerged that Labour Party members intervened in the decision-making process, Ms Nandy stated that any conversations about security risks would have involved Yvette Cooper.
But she insisted that she does not possess the authority to mandate such high-level police protection.
“It’s an operational matter for the police, not for the government,” she told Sky News.
The minister added that the home secretary will have made a “considered judgement about that and express a view”.
She added: “Don’t forget that when it comes to Taylor Swift, what had just happened was that a series of concerts have been cancelled in Vienna because of the very serious security threat.
“I really utterly reject that there’s been any kind of wrongdoing or undue influence in this case.”
Labour ‘pushed’ police for royal-style escort for Taylor Swift concert
08:12
Salma Ouaguira
Labour’s top politicians have reportedly pressured police to grant Taylor Swift a costly VVIP blue-light escort during her August shows at Wembley Stadium.
The request doe special treatment came after security concerns, following a thwarted suicide bomb plot in Austria the week before, The Sun reports.
However, Metropolitan Police chiefs initially resisted providing the high-level protection, which is typically reserved for senior royalty and political leaders.
The singer’s mother and manager are said to have threatened to cancel the shows.
Despite the opposition from senior police figures, including those in charge of the Special Escort Group (SEG), the intervention of senior Labour figures, including home secretary Yvette Cooper and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, reportedly led to the decision being overturned.
The revelation comes at a time when Labour continues to face criticism over its close relationship with freebies, with the prime minister and the mayor of London among those receiving complimentary tickets to Swift’s gigs.
A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan told Sky News: “We don’t comment on the Met’s security arrangements – they are operational decisions for them.”
ICYMI: Keir Starmer as unpopular with public as Nigel Farage
07:46
Salma Ouaguira
Sir Keir Starmer is now as unpopular as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, the latest opinion polling has suggested.
Some 60% of people now hold an unfavourable opinion of the Labour Party, according to pollsters at YouGov, just three months after it swept to power with a landslide majority at the general election.
Sir Keir’s net favourability ratings have dropped to minus 36 with the British public, while Mr Farage is at minus 35.
Keir Starmer is now as unpopular as Nigel Farage
— YouGov (@YouGov) October 8, 2024
Net favourability scores
Nigel Farage: -35
Keir Starmer: -36
Rishi Sunak: -42
Select cabinet ministers
Angela Rayner: -25
Rachel Reeves: -29
Yvette Cooper: -16
David Lammy: -19https://t.co/DCP4HQ1Jhl pic.twitter.com/5dwgDSgu6i
Scottish Labour rebels over Keir Starmer’s winter fuel payment cuts
07:45
Salma Ouaguira
Two senior Scottish Labour MSPs have defied their party leadership in a significant vote at Holyrood, calling for the government to reverse controversial cuts to winter fuel payments.
The motion, brought by First Minister John Swinney, demands Westminster to scrap its decision to make benefit means-tested.
It passed overwhelmingly, with 99 votes to 14.
Former Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard and Alex Rowley, who recently stepped down from the frontbencher, joined forces with the SNP and other parties to back the non-binding motion.
A Scottish Labour amendment, which sought to remove the demand for a U-turn and instead called on the Scottish government to reinstate the fuel insecurity fund, was defeated.
Party leader Anas Sarwar defended the prime minister’s stance, claiming that while the new criteria for winter fuel payments was “too restrictive”, the move was necessary.
The government’s decision has sparked controversy north of the border, where the Scottish government claims its hands are tied.
Mr Swinney warned that the cuts, combined with rising energy prices, were creating a “double whammy” for vulnerable pensioners.
Good morning
07:37
Salma Ouaguira
Welcome back to our live coverage.
The Conservative leadership contest intensifies today, with another crucial vote set to narrow the field from three to two candidates.
Yesterday say Tom Tugendhat exit the race, leaving Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Robert Jenrick to battle it out.
By 3.30pm today, we will know which candidates will go head-to-head in the final round, as Tory MPs cast their decisive votes.
Mr Cleverly, who surged to the top in the latest round, will be looking to maintain his lead, while Ms Badenoch and Mr Jenrick vie for that second spot.
In other political news, Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak are set for a fiery exchange during Prime Minister’s Questions at noon. Key issues on the top of the agenda will include Labour’s upcoming tax plans in their budget statement.
Stay tuned for live updates throughout the day, including morning media rounds with culture secretary Lisa Nandy and leadership contender Robert Jenrick.
Jenrick and Badenoch battle for final spot in Tory leadership race
07:30
Salma Ouaguira
Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch are locked in a tight race to secure a place in the final round of the Conservative leadership contest, with just one vote separating the two candidates.
James Cleverly appears to have a clear path to the final stage after topping yesterday’s vote with 39 supporters, leaving Mr Jenrick and Ms Badenoch to compete for the remaining spot.
The former immigration secretary received 31 votes, while the shadow business secretary followed closely with 30.
Both are seen as rising figures on the Conservative right. But, with just hours left before MPs cast their votes for the last time, the rivals are scrambling to consolidate support among their parliamentary colleagues.
Ms Badenoch’s team urged MPs to rally behind her as the candidate best suited to unify the party’s right wing, while a spokesperson for Mr Jenrick’s campaign claimed he is still in “prime position” to make the final two.
Campaigners welcome Angela Rayner’s bill to ban no-fault evictions
07:15
Salma Ouaguira
Renters’ voices are “finally starting to be heard”, a charity has said as Angela Rayner prepares to table her bill to ban “cruel” no-fault evictions.
Anti-homelessness charity Shelter said 11 million renters in England have been “ignored or shouted down” after sounding the alarm about the broken system for years.
Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell has the full story below:
Politics Explained | Recess is over – so what is in store as MPs head back to the Commons?
07:00
Andy Gregory
The House of Commons is back in session, and the coming weeks will provide ample opportunities for your parliamentarians to opine, shine, and, of course, whine for personal and party advantage, as well as for the betterment of the British people.
In a still-new parliament with a record turnover of members, all among them, from the new-ish prime minister to the new leader of the opposition, will have much to prove and still more to keep them busy.
Our associate editor Sean O’Grady takes a look at what is in store at Westminster in the weeks to come...
Watch: UK facing heightened threat of ‘plot after plot’ from Iran, warns MI5 chief
06:30
Andy Gregory
Record levels of child abuse investigations prompt calls for emergency funding in Budget
06:00
Andy Gregory
Serious concerns about the record number of investigations launched when information suggests a child is being seriously harmed has prompted councils to call for emergency funding in the forthcoming Budget.
Amid concerns that the “lifeline” provided to young people at risk could be compromised by soaring costs, the Labour-led Local Government Association (LGA) called for the Chancellor to intervene after an 11% increase in costs in the last year alone.
New figures published by the Department for Education show the number of of “Section 47” investigations, which take place when there is reasonable cause to suspect a child is suffering or likely to suffer serious harm, reached 225,400 in 2023.
This is equivalent to 618 cases a day, with inquiries focused on 192 children per 10,000 of the under-18 population, and represents a 77% increase since 2013.
Labour poll lead over Tories slashed to one point
05:30
Millie Cooke, Political Correspondent
Labour’s polling lead has fallen to just one point after a rocky start to Sir Keir Starmer’s time in government.
The latest polling comes despite the prime minister attempting to draw a line under the disorder by accepting the resignation of his chief of staff Sue Gray.
The survey, conducted by More in Common for Politico, put Labour on 29 per cent and the Conservative Party on 28 per cent.
Reform UK was on 19 per cent, while the Lib Dems were on 11 per cent. The Green Party was at seven per cent, while the SNP was on two per cent.
Boris Johnson denies mocking people who followed rules during pandemic
05:00
Andy Gregory
Boris Johnnson has denied mocking the public for obeying lockdown rules “like a religion” in his new memoir, which saw him question why people “so avidly craved” restrictions.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Johnson said he “totally rejects” the claim he was expressing disdain for members of the public who followed the rules during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a chapter of his book about fighting the second wave of the pandemic, the former prime minister pointed out the “sheer complexity” of the tier system, which saw different parts of the UK placed under varying levels of restriction.
Mr Johnson said: “The real question is why on earth the public so avidly craved these rules and why they were so willing to have their doings circumscribed in such rabbinical detail.”
Our political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Lammy to repeat calls for de-escalation during Middle East visit
04:30
Andy Gregory
The foreign secretary will repeat calls for de-escalation in the Middle East during a visit to the region.
David Lammy is expected to meet leaders in Bahrain and Jordan on Wednesday to discuss efforts to bring security and stability to the Middle East and reiterate the UK’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.
His visit comes days after the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the latest round of the conflict, and amid reports that the Israeli military is expanding its ground operation in Lebanon.
Before his visit, Mr Lammy said: “The situation is incredibly dangerous and further escalation or miscalculation in the region is in no one’s interests.
“I am pleased to be back in the region to meet with our key partners in Bahrain and Jordan and see first hand our combined efforts towards building long-term security and stability in the Middle East.
“We must not waver at this critical period to achieve ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, to get more desperately needed aid into Gaza, and secure the release of all hostages.”
Scottish Tory leader appoints leadership rivals to front bench
04:00
Andy Gregory
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay has appointed both of his leadership rivals to his frontbench.
Murdo Fraser will continue in his responsibility for business, the economy and tourism as well as adding culture, while Meghan Gallacher will be responsible for housing.
Craig Hoy will continue in his role as party chair until a successor is appointed, while also taking on the finance and local government brief.
Commenting on his top team – which also includes Rachael Hamilton as his deputy – Mr Findlay said they would “work hard” to win back public trust.
“We are ready to stand up for everyone who feels disillusioned with the state of politics and the fringe obsessions of the Scottish Parliament,” he said. “Moving forward, the Scottish Conservatives will reconnect with common-sense values and put forward a bold vision for the future of our country that champions opportunity, aspiration and decency.
“We will present positive new policies to fire up economic growth, create opportunities for workers and businesses, reward aspiration with lower taxes, improve school standards and increase home ownership.
“The SNP and Labour waste too much time on divisive policies instead of the bread-and-butter issues which affect people’s lives. We will do things differently and represent everyone who just wants politicians to show some common sense, for a change.”
No 10 confirms new ministerial appointments by Starmer
02:30
Andy Gregory
Downing Street has confirmed a series of new appointments made by Sir Keir Starmer
Seema Malhotra MP has been made a parliamentary under secretary of state (Minister for Equalities) in the Department for Education, in addition to her current role in the Home Office.
Dame Nia Griffith was named as a parliamentary under secretary of state (Minister for Equalities) in the Department for Education, in addition to her current role in the Wales Office.
In addition, the prime minister has appointed the following as government spokespersons in the House of Lords:
Baroness Smith of Malvern has been named as a government spokesperson for equalities, in addition to her current role as a minister in the Department for Education.
Lord Collins of Highbury has also become a government spokesperson for equalities, in addition to his current role as in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, as deputy leader of the House of Lords and a government Whip.
Watch: Boris Johnson marks Brexit success out of 10
02:00
Andy Gregory
Reeves urged to make simple fiscal rule change to unlock £57 billion at Budget
01:30
Andy Gregory
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering making a major change to the UK’s fiscal rules at the Budget on 30 October – and experts say the shift could unlock an extra £57 billion for infrastructure spending.
My colleague Albert Toth has more details:
Tory leadership vote revives debates around ‘dirty tricks'
01:00
Archie Mitchell
Tuesday’s shock Tory leadership vote will set up a 24-hour scramble for Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch to try to ensure they have enough support to get to the final two.
There is now just one vote separating the two right-wingers, one of whom will take on the more centrist Mr Cleverly, seen as a unifying figure in the party.
It revived debates around dirty tricks being deployed by the different camps, with allies of the warring candidates having previously accused one another of seeking to stitch up the race. After Tuesday’s result, an ally of Mr Jenrick claimed his backers had supported Mr Cleverly in a bid to keep Ms Badenoch off of the final ballot.
“One or two of our supporters got a bit energetic in the stop Kemi campaign,” the ally said.
Full report: Tom Tugendhat knocked out of Tory leadership contest
Wednesday 9 October 2024 00:30
Andy Gregory
James Cleverly has surged to the top of the Tory leadership race, winning the backing of the most Conservative MPs after a barnstorming conference performance.
The former home secretary topped the third round ballot of Tory MPs, winning the backing of 39 in total.
It turns the race to succeed Rishi Sunak on its head, with Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch now in a life or death struggle - before members begin voting on a final two from Thursday.
Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell has the full report:
Watch: Boris Johnson says his Downing Street apartment resembled a 'crack den'
Tuesday 8 October 2024 23:59
Andy Gregory
MPs have ‘right to hear where impact assessment is’ on private school VAT cut, says Priti Patel
Tuesday 8 October 2024 23:30
Andy Gregory
MPs have a “right to hear where the impact assessment is” on the government’s plan to add VAT to private school fees, Priti Patel has said.
The Tory former home secretary told the Commons: “This entire policy is dogmatic and it’s rooted in the politics of envy - I think that’s self-evident, it really is, by a self-serving socialist government that is actually ignorant and blind to the harm that this is going to lead to for families up and down the country.”
Ms Patel added: “This House has a right to hear where the impact assessment is, what the fiscal projections will be, what the costs will be across every government department that’s affected, and of course, that is the Department for Education but also local government, because it is local councils that will continue to pick up the costs here in particular.”
Analysis | Keir Starmer has found his own Dominic Cummings in Morgan McSweeney
Tuesday 8 October 2024 23:00
Andy Gregory
If Sue Gray divided opinion inside and outside Sir Keir Starmer’s cabinet - and she certainly did - then his chosen replacement may prove to be even more controversial.
Even before the Sunday lunch of short knives saw Ms Gray ousted from Starmer’s top team, Morgan McSweeney was a deeply controversial figure within the Labour Party who has attracted an almost pathalogical hatred from the left.
But what is fascinating many now within the Westminster bubble are the comparisons between McSweeney and that recent Svengali figure at the heart of Boris Johnson’s government Dominic Cummings.
Given that Mr Johnson in his new autobiographical book Unleashed has compared Cummings to a fictional “homicidal robot” bent on destruction, this may not be the most comfortable comparison for the newly installed regime around Starmer.
Our political editor David Maddox has more analysis here:
Lisa Nandy ‘absolutely determined’ to ensure access to arts for every child in UK
Tuesday 8 October 2024 22:30
Andy Gregory
Labour minister Lisa Nandy has said she is “absolutely determined” to ensure that access to the arts is a reality for every child in the UK.
The secretary of state for culture, media, and sport spoke at an event in Westminster on Tuesday as she announced the winner of the Robson Orr TenTen Award 2024.
My colleague Maira Butt has the full report:
Corbyn MPs unite with Tories to oppose Labour’s private school tax raid
Tuesday 8 October 2024 22:00
Andy Gregory
Two of Jeremy Corbyn’s Commons allies have united with the Tories to oppose Labour’s tax raid on private schools, despite having been elected on left-wing tickets.
Pro-Gaza independents Iqbal Mohamed and Ayoub Khan spoke out against Sir Keir Starmer’s plans to levy VAT on independent schools and remove their relief from business rates.
The pair, who have joined Mr Corbyn’s Independent Alliance alongside other left-wing independents elected in July, both opposed the plans being introduced by Labour.
Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Watch: Musk claims UK has become global laughing stock under Starmer
Tuesday 8 October 2024 21:30
Andy Gregory
KEY POST: Starmer to face PMQs grilling on Labour turmoil
Tuesday 8 October 2024 21:25
Andy Gregory
Sir Keir Starmer is set to face a grilling from Rishi Sunak in his first PMQs since reshuffling his Downing Street leadership team, after Sue Gray’s shock exit as his chief of staff.
The former civil servant – who Sir Keir personally recruited to drive his policies through Whitehall – resigned after fewer than three months in office, after weeks of infighting. Ms Gray said she feared becoming a “distraction to the government’s vital work of change”, and will be replaced by Morgan McSweeney.
In his first PMQs bout since parliament returned from recess on Monday, the prime minister will also be bracing for questioning on the row over his and Labour frontbenchers’ acceptance of gifts and hospitality freebies, notably from businessman Lord Alli.
Sir Keir has already attempted to reset the agenda three times with announcements about restricting gifts in the future and paying back some of those already accepted.
Minister defends private school VAT cuts
Tuesday 8 October 2024 21:00
Andy Gregory
Most private schools will be able to keep fee increases affordable for parents by absorbing a “significant proportion” of new VAT charges, the government has said.
Treasury minister James Murray was heckled by opposition MPs as he defended the proposal to remove the VAT exemption and business rates relief for private schools from January to enable funding for 6,500 new teachers in state schools.
He said some schools have committed to absorbing the VAT liability entirely, while others are capping fee increases at 5 per cent or 10 per cent.
His remarks came after shadow education secretary Damian Hinds labelled the plan “destructive, disruptive and divisive”, as he pressed the government to publish a full impact assessment to show the effects of the reform on independent schools and the state sector.
Holyrood backs demand for Starmer to reverse ‘damaging’ winter fuel cut
Tuesday 8 October 2024 20:31
PA
MSPs have backed a call from Scotland’s first minister John Swinney to demand the UK government reverses its “damaging” decision to introduce means-testing for the winter fuel payment.
The Scottish Parliament voted by 99 to 14 in favour of a motion from the first minister, insisting the Labour government at Westminster changes course.
Mr Swinney said introducing means-testing alongside the rise in the energy price cap represents a “double whammy” that will hit older Scots and vulnerable households.
He said the Scottish Government is “working urgently to mitigate the impact of the UK government’s damaging decision”, telling MSPs he has written to councils seeking their “urgent assistance” in encouraging more older people to claim pension credit – thus allowing them to qualify for the winter fuel payment.
The first minister said his government is spending a record £6.1bn on benefits north of the border, but he told MSPs it “cannot continue to backfill UK austerity policy decisions”.
