Balance of Power

BREAK: Sarwar set to call for Starmer to quit.

And the mood music is that Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar's press conference this afternoon will be to call for the prime minister to quit, rather than to show support.

BREAKING: Morgan McSweeney has resigned from govt This is his statement “After careful reflection, I have decided to resign from the government. The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself. When asked, I advised the Prime Minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice. In public life responsibility must be owned when it matters most, not just when it is most convenient. In the circumstances, the only honourable course is to step aside. This has not been an easy decision. Much has been written and said about me over the years but my motivations have always been simple: I have worked every day to elect and support a government that puts the lives of ordinary people first and leads us to a better future for our great country. Only a Labour government will do that. I leave with pride in all we have achieved mixed with regret at the circumstances of my departure. But I have always believed there are moments when you must accept your responsibility and step aside for the bigger cause. As I leave I have two further reflections: Firstly, and most importantly, we must remember the women and girls whose lives were ruined by Jeffrey Epstein and whose voices went unheard for far too long. Secondly, while I did not oversee the due diligence and vetting process, I believe that process must now be fundamentally overhauled. This cannot simply be a gesture but a safeguard for the future. I remain fully supportive of the Prime Minister. He is working every day to rebuild trust, restore standards and serve the country. I will continue to back that mission in whatever way I can. It has been the honour of my life to serve.”

BREAK: Morgan McSweeney resigns as No10 Chief of Staff.

New: another one bites the dust as James Evans MS is sacked from the Welsh Shadow Cabinet and loses Tory whip Darren Millar: “I did so after being informed by James that he was continuing to engage with Reform representatives about the possibility of defecting to the party”

BREAKING: Tory MP Andrew Rosindell defects to Reform.

Biggest Tory defection yet: ex Tory MP and former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi joins Nigel Farage’s party

🚨 NEW: The sole Labour MP who voted against the budget motion on inheritance tax for farmers has had the Labour whip suspended. Markus Campbell-Savours has been suspended as the budget is a confidence motion for the government. More here: #liveblog-body" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">news.sky.com/story/politics…

🚨 | Jeremy Corbyn has confirmed that the YourParty membership sign up link posted this morning by Zarah Sultana was unauthorised. Over 20,000 people had already signed up, with the standard rate being £55 per annum. These are set to be cancelled.

Some journalists are already leaving Reform UK conference to return to London, such is the anticipation that Rayner is going in the morning

Exclusive: The Justice Department told President Trump in May that his name is among many in the Epstein files on.wsj.com/4mcTIKV

Statement on my suspension from the Parliamentary Labour Party.

Break - Left wing MP Zarah Sultana quits Labour and announces she is co-founding a new party with Jeremy Corbyn

Today, after 14 years, I’m resigning from the Labour Party. Jeremy Corbyn and I will co-lead the founding of a new party, with other Independent MPs, campaigners and activists across the country. Join us. The time is now. Sign up here to stay updated: actionnetwork.org/forms/join-tea…

NEW: Debbie Abrahams one of 3 MPs to negotiate the welfare concessions with No 10 says they do not go far enough @ITVNewsPolitics

BREAKING: MPs vote FOR assisted dying at third and final reading. AYE: 314 NO: 291 The most significant social change in a generation now progresses to the Lords.

TODAY’S ASSISTED DYING TIMETABLE: 0930 Debate on further amendments begins - Leadbeater expected to accept two. 1030 Third reading begins - return to the broader debate. 1415 Vote on third reading 1430 Result of landmark vote By mid afternoon bill either falls or heads to Lords.

BREAKING- Vicky Foxcroft resigns as a government whip over the welfare cuts - first resignation amid deep dissatisfaction with the bill

Staffordshire Council Result #LE2025: RFM: 49 (+49) CON: 10 (-46) GRN: 1 (+1) IND: 1 (=) LAB: 1 (-4) Reform GAIN from Conservative.

Labour about to fall into *sixth* here including independents...