Overview

• Dame Emily Thornberry said she is considering standing for deputy leader and argued that “domestically things just don’t seem to be working,” warning of steep polling trouble and a fierce challenge from Nigel Farage.
• Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham urged a party “reset,” calling for a less factional management style that listens to MPs and backing northern figures such as Louise Haigh or Lucy Powell for the role.
• The race follows Angela Rayner’s resignation after admitting she underpaid stamp duty on a Hove flat, which also prompted an emergency reshuffle.
• Defence Secretary John Healey stressed that David Lammy’s appointment as deputy prime minister is separate from the party deputy role and does not signal a Downing Street preference.
• Reports suggest Keir Starmer may encourage Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to run, as tensions with the party’s left persist after multiple whip withdrawals earlier in the government’s term.