London politics LIVE: Starmer’s grip on power slipping as third minister quits and more than 80 MPs urge him to go

Luke Pollard has said he would not be resigning as a minister, as “whatever is happening elsewhere in British politics, national security is the first responsibility of Government and something I take very seriously”.

In a series of social media posts which did not mention Prime Minister Keir Starmer by name, the defence minister said: “At a moment of seriousness for our country, defence needs a steady hand.

“I recognise the decisions that many of my colleagues are making about the leadership of our party. I too want bold leadership to deliver the change our country needs.

“With our troops deployed round the world, with threats building towards the UK and our allies, my responsibility as defence minister is to put our country first and provide continuity and consistency for our armed forces and defence sector at a highly uncertain time.

“Whatever is happening elsewhere in British politics, national security is the first responsibility of government and something I take very seriously. That is why I will not be resigning and will be continuing to support our efforts to rearm, rebuild our forces and protect the UK.”

Could Labour’s lifeline be a return to Parliament for Andy Burnham, through the capital, to challenge for the party leadership?

Mr Burnham’s strength as a candidate is that he can appeal to both of Labour’s wings and so might be able to unite the bitterly divided party.

Andy Burnham is expected to meet Labour MPs in London later today amid rumours he will announce a potential seat where he could run as an MP and give himself a route to Downing Street.

The Mayor of Manchester, who was seen arriving at Euston Station earlier, has cancelled his scheduled appearance at the BIBA Conference tomorrow.

He expected to meet with MPs to thrash out a plan to progress his Labour leadership bid and get ahead of rival Wes Streeting.

It has been reported that a letter stating that now is not the time for a leadership election has been circulating among backbench Labour MPs.

The letter has allegedly has been signed by over 100 MPs – more than the reported 87 Labour MPs who have called for Sir Keir to step down.

One of Sir Keir Starmer’s old tweets has been unearthed – showing himself with Catherine West and Wes Streeting as they all took their seats for the first time.

Flash forward 11 years later, and Mr Streeting and Ms West both appear to be posing challenges to Sir Keir’s premiership.

Jess Phillips became the second minister to resign earlier this afternoon.

The MP for Birmingham Yardley stepped down as safeguarding minister just hours after the Prime Minister held a crunch cabinet meeting.

Alex Davies-Jones’ is the third minister to step down so far today.

This morning, Peckham MP Miatta Fahnbulleh became the first minister to resign from Sir Keir Starmer’s government, plunging his premiership into danger.

Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones is the third minister to resign from government, doing so in a letter to the Prime Minister this afternoon.

Ms Davies-Jones posted the letter on X, saying: “It is with a very heavy heart that I have offered my resignation to the Prime Minister.”

The MP for Pontypridd wrote: “The country has spoken and we must listen.

“We waited fourteen years to get into power and change the lives of those we represent.

“The time now is for bold, radical action. I know you to be a good and honest man.

“But in my heart are my constituents, the victims I have had the honour of working with every day, including the Hillsborough victims and their families, and all those who demand better of us.

“I implore you to act in the country’s interest and set out a timetable for your departure.”

Home Office minister Alex Norris has back Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, saying ‘leave the drama to TOWIE’.

The MP for Nottingham North and Kimberley posted on X, saying: “Busy Home Office day ahead of an important King’s Speech.

“We know the country wants change and wants it now. Delivering that is our job.

“Uniting behind the PM as we unveil the next stage of that change is crucial.

“(Let’s leave the drama to the excellent new season of TOWIE)”.

Jess Phillips said “deeds, not words are what matter”, adding she felt she cannot serve under the Prime Minister.

Her letter, reported by Sky News, continued: “Labour governments come around rarely is the constant refrain at the moment. It’s true they are precious. Every Labour government in my and my family’s lifetime has forged progress that changed our country and the world for the better.

“I know you care deeply, but deeds, not words are what matter. I’m not sure we are grasping this rare opportunity with the gusto that’s needed and I cannot keep waiting around for a crisis to push for faster progress.

“Decency is vital, calm curiosity is also needed, but so too are fight and drive required. Have a row, push back, make arguments, bring people along. Standing up and being counted can’t always be workshopped. Politics is as much about feelings as policy, especially at the moment.

“I want a Labour government to work and I will strive as I always have for its success and popularity, but I’m not seeing the change I think I, and the country expect, and so cannot continue to serve as a minister under the current leadership.”