Skills Minister Jacqui Smith (drawing the short straw) on Times Radio this morning:
“I would have been very happy for [Starmer] to continue. But he understands, and we can all see, the pressure being brought upon him. The challenges that are around.”
Later on BBC Breakfast:
“‘I’m absolutely clear that what he has been thinking about is what is in the best interest of the British people…”
She nonetheless admitted she would serve under Andy Burnham, if – or realistically, when – it comes to it. Dozens of cameras are lining up outside No10 at the time of going to pixel. Starmer returned to the building last night after a lonely weekend in Chequers…
Burnham confirms he spoke to Trump last night about drilling in the North Sea:
“I indicated in the phone call that we had a week last Monday that I would take a pragmatic approach when it comes to the North Sea, and that is my intention as we go forward from here. There is a resource there. When people are struggling, we can’t ignore that. Hence, me indicating that to the president…”