UK politics live: Starmer under dual fire from Labour big beasts over budget delay and Sue Gray row

Downing Street rejected suggestions that Sue Gray might clash with cabinet ministers for the devolved nations in her new role as envoy.

Asked whether there was a risk of Ms Gray’s new position clashing with those of the secretaries of state for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “No, no, not at all.

“They will work constructively and collaboratively within the existing set-up.”

It comes after top aides accused the former partygate investigator of alienating her colleagues during her time in Downing Street.

Downing Street has tried to further clarify the fallout from the departure of Sue Gray.

Sir Keir Starmer wants to ensure he had “the right structures in place going forward to deliver change for the country,” Downing Street said when asked whether Sue Gray was sacked.

Asked whether it could be inferred from Ms Gray’s departure that the right structures had not been in place in Downing Street, the spokesman said: “I think it’s right to reflect on the first weeks and months in office to ensure that you do have the right structures in place going forward to deliver change for the country and as the prime minister said the appointments he’s made will strengthen the Downing Street operation and demonstrate his determination to deliver the change that the country voted for.”

Labour ministers have marked the first anniversary of the 7 October attack by Hamas which triggered Israel’s ongoing striking in Palestine.

• Sir Keir Starmer has declared “we must unequivocally stand with the Jewish community” as he marked the first anniversary.
• The prime minister also reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon amid global fears of all-out war in the Middle East.
• The foreign secretary David Lammy has visited members of the Jewish community at the South Tottenham United Synagogue.

• Away from foreign politics, Labour continues to placate backlash over the recent resignation of former chief of staff Sue Gray yesterday.
• Former Tony Blair’s political advisers Alastair Campbell and John McTerna warned the PM against taking “too many missteps” and criticised the timing of the upcoming Budget.
• In the polls, Labour has been hit by a grim reading with more than half of Britons thinking the new government has been “sleazy”, according to YouGov.

• In other news, Reform UK has threatened the home office to launch a private prosecution against the people involved in the Manchester Airport fight with police officers in July.
• In the House of Commons, the prime minister will deliver a statement, with the ongoing Middle East conflict at the top of the agenda, at around 3.30pm.
• We will then hear from the foreign secretary following the backlash over the government’s decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

We will bring you all the latest updates and analysis throughout the day.

Democratic mega-donor and owner of Boomberg has been spotted entering Downing Street.

In a pivotal moment for Sir Keir Starmer, significant changes have been implemented behind the iconic black door of Number 10, to recalibrate the government’s operations.

With the clock ticking toward his first 100 days, the Labour leader has displayed a decisive edge by replacing Sue Gray with Morgan McSweeney, his former chief of staff and head of political strategy.

The move shows Sir Keir’s patience is waning as he strives to reassert control after a tumultuous start to his premiership.

Despite Ms Gray’s previous contributions, her tenure has been marred by controversy and criticism, particularly surrounding the “freebie-gate” scandal.

Insider sources told Sky News that her departure was mutually agreed upon, with Ms Gray transitioning to a new role as envoy for the nations and regions.

One said: “This is about a PM wanting to regain grip.”

The prime minister’s decision reflects a broader strategy to streamline operations at Downing Street, especially after a lacklustre performance following a successful election campaign.

The reshuffle not only promotes Mr McSweeney but could be seen as an attempt to enhance the communications team, bringing in seasoned professionals to fortify the government’s messaging.

While some view this as a capitulation to internal dissent, ministers have insisted that Sir Keir is committed to unifying his team and addressing operational weaknesses.

Meanwhile, David Lammy has visited South Tottenham United Synagogue this morning to mark the 7 October anniversary.

Sadiq Khan has just announced that Sophie Linden, London’s deputy mayor for policing and crime, is resigning.

Ms Linden quits after eight years working with the Mayor of London to take a job as an adviser to the justice secretary Shabana Mahmood, Mr Khan said.

In a statement, she claimed that policing in the capital was “far more diverse, transparent and accountable” than when she started.

We now quickly turn to Westminster, where Reform UK is holding a press conference.

The party has announced they are planning to launch a private criminal prosecution against the people involved in the Manchester Airport fight in July.

Footage from the incident showed an armed police officer kicking a man in the face during an arrest inside a terminal.

But another clip revealed the moment three police officers, including two women, were allegedly assaulted by two men, including the one who was allegedly kicked in the head.

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is under way into the incident and nobody has been charged.

Threatening with a private criminal prosecution, Nigel Farage said in a letter to the home secretary: “We have genuine reason to be concerned that in fact the CPS is awaiting for the IOPC to find some fault with the police officers, which will then give them a reason not to progress charges against the assailants. This is totally unacceptable.”

The letter added: “We are therefore serving notice that if the CPS is not going to charge the assailants, then we will organise a private criminal prosecution against them. We have taken initial advice and have a legal team on standby to progress when required.”