Tory leadership race – live: Johnson under fire after ambassador resigns, as Labour face questions over antisemitism probes

Opinion: Refusing to budge on Brexit will be the end of Boris Johnson, writes chief political commentator Andrew Grice 

Jeremy Corbyn's spokesman has hit out at the BBC ahead of tonight's episode of Panorama, which is about antisemitism in Labour.

He said: "What we haven't seen is anything remotely comparable over the clear and much stronger evidence of rampant Islamophobia among Conservative Party members."

He also attacked "the public record of [Panorama producer] John Ware, who has spoken out extensively in opposition to Jeremy Corbyn and his policies".

In the Commons, MPs are debating a bill that would toughen sentences for people found guilty of abusing animals.

If passed, the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill would increase the maximum prisons sentence for animal cruelty from six months to five years, plus an unlimited fine.

This would be one of the toughest sentences anywhere in the world.

David Rutley, the rural affairs minister, tells MPs:

"It is a simple yet vital measure to ensure those that perpetrate cruelty on animals are subjected to the full force of the law."

He said increasing the maximum jail sentence would "help deter people from committing detestable activities against animals, and demonstrate this behaviour is not tolerated in this country."

Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill has told Sir Kim Darroch: "Although I understand the reasons for your decision, it is a matter of enormous regret that you were put in this position after a shocking betrayal of trust."

Sir Mark said: "I know that public servants in the UK and overseas will continue to be guided by the same values of integrity and impartiality that you have shown in these challenging times."

He added: "You have been an outstanding mentor, colleague and friend. Our country has been stronger for your service. On behalf of the entire public service, I wish you and your family well for the future."

Stern words here from former Tory MP Nick Boles, who resigned the party whip over Brexit. 

Liam Fox, the international trade secretary, says the leaker was someone who for "whatever malicious reasons, sought to either damage the US-UK relationship or indeed Sir Kim personally".

Speaking after meeting Sir Kim in Washington on Tuesday night, Dr Fox said: "I don't know what the motivations would be at this stage, but it's very important that we find out who actually carried out this particularly damaging act.

"It's important that our ambassadors are able to write frankly to politicians. If they have to do so worrying about how it might look in a newspaper it will represent a fundamental change in how our diplomatic system operates.

"I'm afraid the world has looked at this episode and they will have seen that there has been, in this case, what I would describe as an unprofessional, unethical and unpatriotic lapse in the usual standards we have come to expect in this country."

He said those responsible should take "a long hard look at themselves" and see the damage they have done to their country and to Sir Kim himself.

Earlier, Theresa May sidestepped a chance to "recommend her successor", telling MPs that the next Tory leader would be an "excellent prime minister, whichever of the candidates wins".

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable pigeon-holed Ms May on the spot during Prime Minister's Questions by asking how Jeremy Hunt or Boris Johnson would secure a majority in the Commons.

He said: "The Prime Minister's last major duty will be to recommend her successor. How does she plan to satisfy herself that the next leader of the Conservative Party will command a majority in the House of Commons?"

Mrs May replied: "The next leader of the Conservative Party will, I believe, be an excellent prime minister, whichever of the candidates wins, and they will ensure that they take this country through Brexit, deliver on the 2016 referendum, ignore the attempts by (him) and his (honourable friends) to try and go back on the democratic vote of the British people and lead us forward to a brighter future."

Theresa May has been accused of double standards for failing to vote in favour of same-sex marriage, days after she promised to be an LGBT+ ally for life. 

Theresa May’s effective deputy David Lidington said that proroguing parliament in order to prevent MPs voting on a no-deal Brexit would be a “constitutional outrage”.

Asked whether prorogation in these circumstances would be acceptable, Mr Lidington told the Commons Exiting the EU Committee: “No. All members in this place have the right to express their own opinions. I think it would be a constitutional outrage.”

Asked whether a future PM could disregard a vote by MPs to rule out no-deal, Mr Lidington said: “I would have thought that any PM would be unwise lightly to disregard the expressed view of the House of Commons, simply because the reality is that every government exists because it can command a majority in the House of Commons.”