Monday, February 9, 2026

The prime minister is addressing Labour MPs at their weekly meeting as this newsletter goes out. 

I assume that he will secure the support of the loyalists who turn up, after the entire cabinet rallied this afternoon, with ministers, led by deputy prime minister David Lammy, tweeting their support.  

But there was a gap of an hour after Anas Sarwar, Labour's leader in Scotland, called for Keir Starmer to go to give him a chance in the Scottish parliament elections in May.

Starmer has survived the day, but only because no one, including Angela Rayner, is ready for her to take over yet. 

Which US state begins with P?

Answer at the bottom of today's email 

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Daily briefing

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How easy would it be for Labour MPs to force Keir Starmer out?

There are a number of ways the prime minister could be made, or persuaded, to stand down, writes Sean O'Grady. But finding a successor is less clear-cut...

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MOST COMMENTED

QUOTATION OF THE DAY

I urge all my colleagues to come together, remember our values and put them into practice as a team. The prime minister has my full support in leading us to that end

Angela Rayner

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Quiz answer: Pennsylvania

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