Keir Starmer faces Labour rebellion over winter fuel payment cuts ahead of PMQs showdown

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.

The vote, superheated by First Minister John Swinney, passed with 99 votes to 14, with Labour members joining forces with the SNP to demand an end to means-testing.

As Sir Keir prepares to face Rishi Sunak in his first PMQs since reshuffling his top team, this internal dissent adds another layer of pressure to the prime minister.

He is also 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.

The showdown comes after 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 Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch, who received 31 and 30 votes respectively.

Key Points

• Keir Starmer to face first PMQs grilling on Labour turmoil

• Scottish Labour rebels over Starmer’s winter fuel payment cuts

• Jenrick and Badenoch battle for final spot in Tory leadership race

• Labour ‘pushed’ police for royal-style escort for Taylor Swift concert

• Poll: Starmer as unpopular with public as Nigel Farage

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.

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:

Starmer has already ruled out biggest benefit to UK from EU reset, think tank warns

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:

WATCH | Minister denies reports Labour ‘personally intervened’ to provide blue-light escort for Taylor Swift

09:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Culture secretary denies Labour ‘personally intervened’ to provide Taylor Swift

Sir Iain Duncan Smith backs Kemi Badenoch

08:50 , Salma Ouaguira

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:

MPs pile pressure on Labour to oppose Saudi bid to join UN’s Human Rights Council

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.

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:

Campaigners welcome Angela Rayner’s bill to ban no-fault evictions

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…

Recess is over – so what is in store as MPs head back to the Commons?

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.

Labour poll lead over Tories slashed to one point

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:

Boris Johnson denies mocking people who followed rules during pandemic

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:

Reeves urged to make simple fiscal rule change to unlock £57 billion at Budget

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:

Tugendhat knocked out of Tory leadership contest as Cleverly sees campaign boost

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:

Keir Starmer has found his own Dominic Cummings in Morgan McSweeney

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:

Lisa Nandy ‘absolutely determined’ to ensure access to arts for ‘every child’ in UK

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:

Corbyn MPs unite with Tories to oppose Labour’s private school tax raid

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”.

HS2 to Euston ‘was always going to be part of the picture’, says transport secretary

Tuesday 8 October 2024 20:02 , Andy Gregory

Transport secretary Louise Haigh said the plan for HS2 to reach Euston “was always going to be part of the picture”.

Pressed on whether she had sign-off from the Treasury ahead of the Budget on 30 October, Ms Haigh told the PA news agency: “We’ll be making an announcement on that soon and I’m afraid that’s all I can say at this point.”

“Even under the previous government’s botched plans for HS2, Euston was always going to be part of the picture,” she said.

Watch: UK facing heightened threat of ‘plot after plot’ from Iran, warns MI5 chief

Tuesday 8 October 2024 19:30 , Andy Gregory

Jenrick ‘now in prime position for final two’, says campaign

Tuesday 8 October 2024 19:01 , Andy Gregory

Robert Jenrick can offer “seriousness and competence”, a member of his campaign team claimed after he dropped to second place behind James Cleverly in the latest round of voting by MPs in the Tory leadership race.

The source said: “Robert is now in prime position to make the final two. MPs want seriousness and competence. That’s why he’s won support from across the party so far – from Danny Kruger on the right to Vicky Atkins on the left.”

Tory right ‘must coalesce around Badenoch’s star quality’, campaign claims

Tuesday 8 October 2024 18:29 , Andy Gregory

The right of the Tory Party “now needs to coalesce around” the “star quality” of Kemi Badenoch, a spokesperson for her campaign team insisted after the latest ballot of MPs left the leadership hopeful in last place just one vote behind Robert Jenrick.

The spokesperson said: “There are three candidates left in this contest, two are gaining votes and one is going backwards and losing support.

“The right of the Conservative Party now needs to coalesce around Kemi, who can reach across and unify the party, has the star quality to cut through in opposition, and is indisputably the members’ choice for leader.”

Penny Mordaunt: I’ve had a stalker – it’s why I support the Brick by Brick campaign

Tuesday 8 October 2024 18:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Former defence secretary Penny Mordaunt says being stalked gave her a chilling insight into what it must be like to be the victim of domestic violence.

“When I was a member of parliament, I worked with many domestic abuse organisations and service providers. That all changed earlier this year when, for the first time, I went to the other side of the counter. I became a client.

“Over the years, I have had my share of death threats. Although I took each one seriously, they were easier to metabolise than what has happened to me and my staff over the past year,” she says.

I’ve had a stalker – which is why I support the Independent’s Brick by Brick campaign

Who will be the next Conservative leader?

Tuesday 8 October 2024 17:30 , Salma Ouaguira

The Conservative leadership contest continues to ramp up after the four remaining contenders made their pitches to voters and delegates at the party’s 2024 conference.

Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick and Tom Tugendhat are the final candidates for the Tory top spot. Although the race was announced on 5 July, the leader will not be revealed until early November – although two candidates have called for the timeframe to be cut down.

Until then, former prime minister Rishi Sunak retains the position and has refused to be drawn into the ongoing contest so far.

Here’s your guide to the four candidates to be the next Conservative Party leader:

Who will be the next Conservative leader? The four frontrunners

Keir Starmer responds to MI5 security warnings

Tuesday 8 October 2024 17:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged the “sober findings” outlined in a speech by the head of MI5 but said the public should be “reassured that our security services are world class and will do everything necessary to keep us safe”.

A Number 10 spokeswoman said: “The prime minister would like to take this opportunity to thank the security services for the work that they do day in and day out to keep us all safe.

“These rare public interventions are a reminder of the work they do without public recognition.

“These are sober findings but the public should be reassured that our security services are world class and will do everything necessary to keep us safe.

“In terms of the specific findings, again, what was very clear from the director general is we remain alert and vigilant to all risks, and in turn we will always ensure that our police and security services have the tools that they need to manage the evolving threats that we face.”

Reeves urged to make simple fiscal rule change to unlock £57 billion at Budget

Tuesday 8 October 2024 16:30 , Salma Ouaguira

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.

Ahead of the general election, Labour pledged to follow two rules. The first was that in the current budget costs are met by revenues such as tax.

This has proven much more of a challenge for Ms Reeves than anticipated after she unveiled Treasury analysis in late July which showed a £22 billion shortfall in public spending.

You can read the full story below:

Reeves urged to make simple fiscal rule change to unlock £57 billion at Budget

ANALYSIS | Cleverly’s rise: The power of party conferences in shaping leadership contests

Tuesday 8 October 2024 16:15 , Salma Ouaguira

James Cleverly has shown his rivals a demonstration of the influence political party conferences can wield.

Following a dynamic performance in Birmingham, the shadow home secretary has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the race to succeed Rishi Sunak.

The result allowed him to effectively counter prior criticisms regarding his sense of humour and past behaviours.

He previosuly said the ideal spouse was “someone who is always mildly sedated so she can never realise there are better men out there”.

But his ability to connect with the party has proven pivotal in this contest.

Meanwhile, Robert Jenrick, who was a key frontrunner, has witnessed a decline in his support, losing two MPs who previously backed him.

At the conference, the former immigration secretary had sought to draw parallels with David Cameron’s 2005 rise, positioning himself as a fresh face to surpass veteran rival David Davis.

His conference performance was overshadowed by backlash over his claims that British special forces are “killing rather than capturing terrorists”.

Rather than following the former prime minsiter’s footsteps, he seems to have taken a misstep.

Kemi Badenoch calls on Jenrick supporters to unite behind her bid

Tuesday 8 October 2024 15:49 , Salma Ouaguira

Kemi Badenoch is rallying supporters of Robert Jenrick to pivot their backing towards her campaign as the Tory leadership race narrows to three contenders.

A spokesperson for the shadow secretary said: “There are three candidates left in this contest, two are gaining votes and one is going backwards and losing support.

“The right of the Conservative Party now needs to coalesce around Kemi, who can reach across and unify the party, has the star quality to cut through in opposition, and is indisputably the members’ choice for leader.”

James Cleverly: ‘The job’s not finished’

Tuesday 8 October 2024 15:47 , Salma Ouaguira

Tugendhat thanks backers as he exits leadership race

Tuesday 8 October 2024 15:40 , Salma Ouaguira

PINNED | Cleverly clinches top spot as Tugendhat eliminated from leadership race

Tuesday 8 October 2024 15:30 , Salma Ouaguira

In a decisive turn of events in the Conservative leadership contest, James Cleverly emerged as the frontrunner, garnering 39 votes while Tom Tungendhat was eliminated after securing only 20.

Mr Cleverly’s performance marks a notable resurgence from his previous tally of just 21 votes in the round held before the party conference.

His strong showing is seen as a reflection of his impactful conference speech, where he was tipped as a standout candidate.

Robert Jenrick trailed closely behind Mr Clevelry with 31 votes, while Kemi Badenoch rounded out the top three with 30, having gained two votes from the previous round.

In contrast, Mr Jenrick experienced a slight decline, losing the support of two MPs.

The final vote among Conservative MPs is set to take place tomorrow, narrowing the field from three candidates to the last two, who will then face a ballot of Tory Members.

The winner is expected to be announced on 2 November.

Reform UK membership reaches 90,000 supporters

Tuesday 8 October 2024 15:30 , Salma Ouaguira

Meanwhile, Nigel Farage has taken to social media to announce that Reform UK’s membership has increased to 90,000.

The last time the party revealed the numbers, it stood at 85,000.

Coming up: Tory leadership vote result revealed shortly

Tuesday 8 October 2024 15:25 , Salma Ouaguira

Chariman of the 1922 Committee of Tory MPs Bob Blackman will appear at 3.30pm to announce the result of the latest round of voting in the leadership contest.

Labour MP slams Tories for defending private school tax breaks

Tuesday 8 October 2024 15:10 , Salma Ouaguira

Connor Naismith, Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich, has criticised the Tories for their support of tax breaks for private education during the ongoing VAT discussion.

Speaking passionately in the Commons, Mr Naismith argued that the previous administration demonstrated a lack of change in their priorities.

He said: “(The Conservatives) have demonstrated perfectly well that nothing has changed and it’s business as usual as they choose to leap to the defence of tax breaks for private education.

“Only 7 per cent of children in the UK go to a private school, a smaller proportion than the most recent Conservative cabinet, of which it is believed that 65 per cent were privately educated. So, perhaps that tells us something about why we are debating this matter today.”

Tory members on the opposition benches responded by shouting – “look around you”.

Back to the Commons…

Tuesday 8 October 2024 15:02 , Salma Ouaguira

MPs continue to debate Labour’s decision to scrap tax exemptions for private schools.

Alicia Kearns, Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford, condemned Labour’s proposal to impose VAT on school fees, calling it “cruel and vindictive”.

Speaking in the House of Commons, she warned that the move would have dire consequences for rural economies, which rely heavily on the presence of independent schools.

She told members: “I have over 2,000 people locally who are employed directly by independent schools, let alone those working within the supply chain, whether it be buses, or food, or flowers, or cafes or shops, rural economies do not have that many options at the moment and independent schools are a bedrock for them.

“So, the economic impact of this (policy) should be considered within that impact assessment, which I very much doubt has been carried out.”

No 10 rejects fears of Truss-style chaos ahead of Budget announcement

Tuesday 8 October 2024 15:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Downing Street has downplayed fears that potential changes to borrowing rules in the upcoming Budget could trigger a crisis like the chaotic premiership of Liz Truss.

The government insisted that it is committed to restoring economic stability, amid growing speculation that shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to revamp fiscal policies.

With the Budget statement set to be released at the end of this month, investors are cautioning shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt to “walk a tightrope” to avoid unsettling the markets and prompting a sell-off of government bonds.

In response to fears of a Truss-style chaos, a No 10 spokesperson said: “Obviously, I wouldn’t accept that characterisation.

“The government has made clear that one of the first steps of this government is to restore economic stability in the Budget. It will absolutely deliver on that, delivering on the robust fiscal rules that were set out in the manifesto.

“That includes moving the current Budget into balance, it includes debt falling as a share of the economy, and more broadly, as I say, the Budget will be about fixing the foundations of the economy, delivering stability, because it is only with economic stability that we will get the growth and investment that the economy needs.”