Tories cut Starmer’s poll lead ahead of crucial leadership vote – live

Labour’s position in the latest poll has dwindled, with its lead shrinking to one point as recent rows impact public perception.

According to More in Common, the party now sits at 29 per cent, a drop of one percentage point.

The Conservatives have gained two points, reaching 28 per cent.

Meanwhile, Reform UK continues to attract support, rising to 19 per cent, while Liberal Democrats have fallen to 11 per cent – down two points.

The Green Party has decreased to 7 per cent, down one point.

Today marks a critical moment for the Conservative Party as it holds a leadership vote that will narrow the field of candidates vying for Rishi Sunak’s successor.

Four contenders, Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Tom Tugnedhat, are competing for the chance to secure their party’ s future direction.

Mr Cleverly has gained momentum following a strong conference speech, securing Mel Stride’s endorsement.

By Wednesday, only two will remain, and party members will decide the winner.

James Cleverly‘s hopes of becoming Tory leader have received a major boost ahead of another crucial vote by Conservative MPs today as a former rival endorsed his candidacy.

Mel Stride, who was eliminated in the last round, has come out in support of the former home and foreign secretary as momentum continues to build for him to succeed Mr Sunak.

In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Stride said: “The Conservative Party needs to rebuild trust on economic competence, cutting migration and reforming public services. Strong, clear and measured. James has what it takes. “

Momentum for Mr Cleverly appears to have been building since his speech on the last day of the Tory conference energised the audience with his call for Conservatives to start “being normal again”.

Our politics team has the full story below:

Sir Keir Starmer will meet cabinet ministers today as his government prepares to unveil the October budget.

With the cost of living crisis, energy policy, and NHS reforms high on the agenda, the prime minister is expected to outline his strategy for delivering on Labour’s ambitious manifesto promises in a matter of weeks.

This cabinet meeting comes as Sir Keir seeks to solidify his leadership and demonstrate Labour’s readiness to address the challenges facing the nation.

Cabinet ministers will discuss immediate action plans while laying the groundwork for longer-term reforms.

Labour peer Lord Alli came under scrutiny following allegations that he played a key role in shaping Labour’s first 100 in office, alongside controversy over gifts given to Sir Keir Starmer.

The revelations prompted the prime minister to return £6,000 in freebies.

But speaking to Sky News, transport secretary Louise Haigh pushed back on claims about Lord Alli’s influence, adding: “I don’t recognise these allegations.”

Ms Haigh claimed that while she hasn’t worked directly with the Labour donor, she emphasised his longstanding political involvement.

She said: “He’s not just a donor, but he is a Labour peer who has donated to the Labour Party over many years.

“But I can’t personally tell you exactly what decisions he’s been involved in.”

Boris Johnson has defended the government’s handling of personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts during the pandemic.

Speaking to LBC, he admitted some were questionable but insisted urgent action was needed.

The former prime minister admitted the “dubious nature” of certain deals but stressed that “our country was desperate” for PPE and speed was the priority.

Mr Johnson’s comments come after Transparency International UK flagged over 130 pandemic contracts as potentially corrupt, with many allegedly awarded to inexperienced suppliers linked to Conservative figures.

Defending the rush to secure PPE, he said: “I’m sorry about that but we needed that stuff as fast as possible.”

Transport secretary Louise Haigh has firmly rejected claims that Sir Keir Starmer struggles tow work with women, following accusations from former Labour MP Rosie Duffield.

The MP for Canterbury, who resigned from the party in September, accused Sir Keir’s team of “sleaze, nepotism, and greed” suggesting the prime minister has issues working with women.

Number 10 has strongly denied these claims, and Ms Haigh echoed the stance.

Speaking on Sky News this morning, she highlighted the diversity in the PM’s leadership team, adding: “I don’t think the prime minister has any problem working with women.

“If you look at the women he has around in the first female chancellor, Angela Rayner, the cabinet is, is gender balanced.

“We have more female Labour MPs than there are Tory MPs in total.”

The former prime minister has launched a sharp critique of Sir Keir Starmer, labelling the Labour leader’s acceptance of gifts as “greedy”.

In a candida interview with LBC, Mr Johnson, who is promoting his memoir Unleashed, questioned why Sir Keir would accept lavish gifts when “he must be worth a bob or two”.

He said: “I want you to know, I have no donors paying for my suits. Or spectacles. Who pays for your spectacles? You pay for your spectacles, don’t you? It’s unbelievable.

“I mean, the guy (Sir Keir), he’s a silk, right? I mean, he must be worth a bob or two. Why has he got some guy paying for his spectacles?”

He added: “You know, that looks greedy, right? But if you then give the guy a pass to Number 10, that looks corrupt. And so I just don’t get it. I don’t know why he’s still wearing those spectacles.

“Well apart from the fact he can’t see. He can’t see what a mess he’s making of things.”

Transport secretary Louise Haigh has weighted in on Sue Gray’s departure as Keir Starmer’s chief of staff.

Speaking to Kay Burley on the media morning round, Ms Haigh expressed both regret and optimism over Ms Gray’s move, which was officially confirmed on Sunday.

The former partygate investigator will now take a key role as envoy to the nations and regions.

When asked how Ms Gray’s contribution will be remembered, Ms Haigh was quick to praise her, adding: “Sue Gray is an exceptional public servant and she worked really hard for us in opposition in helping prepare our manifesto.”

Her new position, however, raises questions about whether she should have stepped aside from her previous role.

The minister told Sky News: “I understand why she did.”

She added that while she was “sorry to see her go” as chief of staff, she remains “delighted” that Ms Gray will continue serving the partying hernia capacity.”

“I’m really grateful for the work that she did, both in opposition and in our first hundred days.

“But as I say, I’m really pleased that I will continue to work with her and the prime minister will, as the chair of the Council of Regions and Nations,” she added.