It’s the battle of the deputies today as Dowden and Rayner trade blows in the Commons while Starmer flies to Samoa. Dowden jumped in with a simple question: “What is the Deputy Prime Minister’s definition of working people?”

Rayner swerved in response:

“The definition of working people are the people that the Tory party have failed for the last fourteen years.”

Dowden pressed on: Are the 5 million small business owners in Britain working people? Again Rayner dodged the question…

Rachel Reeves made it clear and public what the party’s definition of working people was during the election campaign: “Working people are people who get their income from going out to work everyday, and also pensioners that have worked all their lives and are now in retirement.” The upcoming budget has had quite the effect on the Cabinet’s memories…

Reform is stepping up its campaign to take down the Tories, reportedly preparing to unveil a “high-profile” candidate should Rishi Sunak step down. Though sources close to Sunak insist they’d be “surprised” if he steps down, his recent absence from the public stage is raising eyebrows. Reform sources claim Sunak and his deputy, Oliver Dowden, are gearing up to resign their seats. Sunak’s still eyeing the sunny shores of the Golden Coast…

Meanwhile, a Reform insider says that Nigel has “two former Tory MPs and one current Tory MP ready to defect’” and contest any forthcoming by-elections. Reform’s momentum is growing: they’re now more popular than Labour, and Labour aides are reportedly worried the party could surpass them in voting intention polls by the time of the local elections in May. With over 100 local branches launching soon, Reform continue to position itself as the real opposition…

Deputy PM Oliver Dowden launched the “Prepare Campaign” today – a new government website telling the people how to prepare for the worst – stock up on torches, tinned food and bottled water. Just hours before Sunak announced a snap election on 4th July…

The helpful website tells Britons they must make themselves aware of risks in their local area, which is the best “escape route” from their home, and what to do in a “national crisis” – including nuclear attacks and cyberattack that cuts off the internet. In which case, a website won’t be much use. Impressively Thick of It, even for Team Sunak…

Rayner delivered a good attack on Dowden at PMQs.

“I read with interest that the Right Honorable gentleman has been urging his neighbour in No 10 to call an election because he’s worried they might get wiped out. Has he finally realised that when he stabbed Boris Johnson in the back to get his man into No 10 he was ditching their biggest election winner for a pint-sized loser?“

Ouch…

The battle of the deputies at PMQs has kicked off with Rayner attempting to pre-empt Dowden:

“I know the party opposite is desperate to talk about my living arrangements but the public want to know what this do government is going to do about theirs.“

Dowden hit back with an even better jibe:

“It is a pleasure to have another exchange with the right honorable lady in this house – our fifth in 12 months! Any more of these and she’ll be claiming it as her principal residence.“

Cue roars…

UPDATE: Another hit:

“She once said: ‘You shouldn’t be waiting for the police to bang on your door. If you did it then you shouldn’t be doing your job.’ The Right Honourable landlady should forget her tax advice and follow her own advice.“