Overview

• Oldham resident Joyce Todd, identified as the woman from Starmer’s 2016 anecdote, publicly challenged his version and said she will not vote Labour.
• Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy withdrew an unevidenced claim that Nigel Farage had “flirted” with the Hitler Youth.
• Ministers highlighted new measures such as a digital ID for workers and tougher indefinite leave to remain rules as Labour seeks to show a harder line on borders.
• Polls this week reported Reform pulling ahead of Labour, including a More in Common survey putting the party 10 points in front.
• The Conservatives entered their Manchester conference weakened by defections to Reform and growing doubts over Kemi Badenoch’s leadership.