UK politics live: Tory leader candidate says he may be victim of ‘horse trading’ as Starmer to face PMQs
Robert Jenrick warns of potential deal-making as Tories reach final leadership vote
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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.
Labour’s renters’ rights bill set for first parliamentary debate today
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.”
Lammy to urge immediate ceasefire during Middle East visit
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’
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
Culture secretary calls out Sky News presenters for attending Taylor Swift concert
The culture secretary called out Sky News presenters for attending Taylor Swift’s Wembley concert during a heated interview. Lisa Nandy appeared on the programme’s breakfast show, hosted by Kay Burley, on Wednesday (9 October). She denied reports that Labour “intervened” to provide a blue-light escort for the singer during her Wembley tour dates. The conversation then turned to a discussion over politicians attending the concert as Ms Burley confronted her over the prime minister going to the show twice. Ms Nandy replied: “Most of Sky News was at these events in the same boxes to be fair.” The Sky presenter asked: “Who from Sky was there?” “You were,” the culture secretary replied. Ms Burley responded: “I paid for my tickets. I paid for my tickets eight months earlier, so don’t say that.”
Poll: James Cleverly tops Keir Starmer as next prime minister
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
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:
Private school VAT raid could include exemptions for military families
The Treasury is said to be considering exemptions amid growing concern about the impact of the policy on service personnel
Downing Street was a ‘crack den' when I got there, says Boris Johnson
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
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.
Labour’s worker rights bill can win over Tory and Reform voters, says union
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.
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