Starmer to face grilling on Labor turmoil in PMQs after surprise Tory leadership result – UK politics live

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 Labor frontbenchers’ acceptance of gifts and hospitality freebies, notably from businessman Lord Alli.

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 typed 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.

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 provide 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…

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 upcoming Budget.

Amid concerns that the “lifeline” provided to young people at risk could be compromised by soaring costs, the Labor-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 “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’s polling lead has failed 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 Labor 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 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:

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 operations 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 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 Labor 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.”

Proposed protections for tenants are due to be debated in parliament as the housing secretary pledged her commitment to abolishing “cruel” no fault evictions.

The Renters’ Rights Bill will have its Second Reading in the Commons on Wednesday. The government said the speed of its progress through Parliament signals a determination to put protections in law as soon as possible.

The previous government pledged to end section 21 so-called no fault evictions but concern about its impact on landlords and the courts was set to lead to a delay in implementation. The Conservatives’ Renters (Reform) Bill then ran out of time to progress through Parliament before the election.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who is also housing secretary, said the Renters’ Rights Bill will “transform the sector” with a focus on ensuring stable accommodation for families.

She said: “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.”