Sir Keir Starmer has faced Labour MPs this evening after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for him to stand down in a bombshell blow to his hopes of staying in No10.
The embattled Prime Minister addressed the party MPs and peers at a meeting in Parliament as he fights for his political survival.
He told them: “I have won every fight I’ve ever been in” and “I’m not prepared to walk away”.
Mr Sarwar made the call at an emergency news conference in Glasgow on Monday afternoon.
This lunchtime No10 said Sir Keir will not resign and will be “concentrating on the job at hand”, amid the fallout of the Lord Peter Mandelson scandal.
Senior Cabinet figures rallied around the embattled Prime Minister, while Angela Rayner, who has been talked of as a successor should he go, also gave her support.
The mounting pressure on the PM came after a second key aide of Starmer, communications chief Tim Allan, quit on Monday morning, just a day after the resignation of Morgan McSweeney.
A spokesperson for the PM insisted that Sir Keir was “upbeat” and “confident”, despite his premiership being plunged into unprecedented crisis.
Continued revelations from the Epstein files has piled pressure on No10, with growing anger among Labour MPs around the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the US.
The Prime Minister is expected to address a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party later on Monday amid anger over his appointment of Lord Mandelson, despite knowing that his links with Jeffrey Epstein continued after the financier's conviction for child sex offences.
Follow the latest updates below...
Key Points
- Keir Starmer losing grip on power as No10 communications chief Tim Allan quits in Mandelson scandal
- William and Kate ‘deeply concerned’ about Andrew's Epstein links as royals address scandal for first time
- Morgan McSweeney resigns as Starmer’s chief of staff following Mandelson controversy
- Andrew shared confidential trade information with Epstein while envoy, files indicate
‘Morally obvious’ that Starmer made the wrong decision
21:36 , Georgia BellChris Hinchliff, a Labour backbencher, has told BBC Radio 5 Live that it was “morally obvious” Lord Mandelson should not have been appointed
Hinchiff, who was elected as the MP for North East Hertfordshire in 2024, said: “It should’ve been absolutely clear from the get-go that a known associate of a convicted paedophile and sex trafficker was not an appropriate person to appoint as our ambassador to the United States.”
He went on to call for Sir Keir to resign from his post as Prime Minister, saying, “Nothing has come forward that explains why that decision was made, or that can make that decision credible. So I’m afraid that I do now believe the prime minister should resign.”
Writing on X, he said: “The decision is clearly indefensible and the PM cannot credibly continue.”
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Labour MP says Starmer facing 'existential crisis'
21:16 , Georgia BellA Labour MP has described the political battle at Number 10 as an “existential crisis” for the prime minister.
Tan Dhesi, the Labour MP for Slough, told Sky News: “This is an existential crisis for the prime minister, for our party, for our government.
“And yeah, I mean, this has been fraught.”
He said that he is preparing to address questions from local party members about the scandal at his constituency after Thursday.
He said, “I don’t want to be standing there, you know, when I’m visiting the dementia clinic or going to the local hospital … answering these sort of questions and apologising on behalf of us in Westminster.”
“That’s not something that I came into politics [for] ... I don’t want to be associated with that.
Labour MP says Starmer has squashed 'any challenge against his leadership'
20:55 , Georgia BellKarl Turner, the Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull East, has commended Keir Starmer’s speech at the Parliamentary Labour Party meeting this evening.
Writing on X, Turner wrote: “PM was at his best tonight. Reflective. Apologetic. But strong.
He went on to say the Prime Minister has effectively squashed “any challenge against his leadership”.
“Came out fighting. Put to bed any idea of any challenge against his leadership”, he wrote.
PM was at his best tonight. Reflective. Apologetic. But strong. Came out fighting. Put to bed any idea of any challenge against his leadership. But it was clear the PLP expect to see some changes. PLP needs to feel included and we must use all of the talents our PLP has to offer.
— Karl Turner MP (@KarlTurnerMP) February 9, 2026
Wes Streeting insists he supports Starmer
20:41 , Georgia BellWes Streeting has said he supports Sir Keir Starmer remaining Prime Minister.
The health secretary faced questions about his support of the leader as he left the Parliamentary Labour Party, to which he responded, “Of course I do.”
Just an hour before the meeting, Streeting’s spokesman had accused Downing Street of briefing against him. He squarely rejected accusations of being involved in the speech, delivered by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, calling for Starmer to resign.
Rachel Reeves says government will learn from 'mistakes'
20:36 , Georgia BellRachel Reeves says the government has made “mistakes” but promises that “lessons will be learnt”.
The Chancellor praised the Prime Minister for delivering an “excellent” speech to Labour MPs, following days of chaos at Number 10.
“Everyone said, Keir is a man of great integrity, and he is the person with a mandate to deliver the change that all of our constituents want to see,” she said.
“The last few days have been very, very difficult for the country, most importantly for the victims of Epstein, difficult for the party.
“Mistakes have been made, but lessons will be learnt.”
Starmer urges Labour MPs to unite in fight against Reform UK
20:02 , Matt WattsSir Keir Starmer urged Labour MPs and peers to unite in the fight against Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
He described the battle with Reform as the “fight of our lives, the fight of our times”.
He added: “It goes to the heart and soul of who we are as a party, as a government, and as a country, what it is to be British… And if they ever get in, they will divide, divide, divide. And it will tear this beautiful country apart. That is the fight of our times.”
Sir Keir told the packed committee room in the House of Commons: “As long as I have breath in my body, I’ll be in that fight, on behalf of the country that I love and I believe in, against those that want to tear it up.
“That is my fight, that is all of our fight, and we’re in this together.”
Starmer: 'I'm not prepared to walk away'
19:59 , Matt WattsMore from Keir Starmer’s speech to Labour MPs.
He said: “I have had my detractors every step along the way, and I’ve got them now. Detractors that don’t want a Labour government at all, and certainly not one to succeed.
“But I’ll tell you this, after having fought so hard for the chance to change our country, I’m not prepared to walk away from my mandate and my responsibility to my country, or to plunge us into chaos, as others have done.”
Starmer says 'I have won every fight I’ve ever been in'
19:58 , Matt WattsWe are starting to get details of what Starmer told Labour MPs in his crunch meeting with them in Parliament this evening.
According to the Press Association, he is said to have told them: “I have won every fight I’ve ever been in.
“I fought to change the Crown Prosecution Service so it better served victims of violence against women and girls.
“I fought to change the Labour Party to allow us to win an election again.
“People told me I couldn’t do it. And then they gradually said, you might just get over the line.
“We won with a landslide majority. Every fight I’ve been in, I have won.”
Reeves says Starmer’s address to Labour MPs was 'excellent'
19:42 , Matt WattsChancellor Rachel Reeves said Sir Keir Starmer’s address to Labour MPs was “excellent” but acknowledged it had been a “very difficult” period following the revelations about Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein.
She said: “Everyone said, Keir is a man of great integrity and he is the person with a mandate to deliver the change that all of our constituents want to see.
“The last few days have been very, very difficult for the country, most importantly for the victims of Epstein, difficult for the party.
“Mistakes have been made but lessons will be learned.”
Lisa Nandy says Keir Starmer has full backing of Labour Party
19:16 , Matt WattsCulture Secretary Lisa Nandy has said Keir Starmer has the full backing of the Labour Party.
She spoke to the BBC after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for him to step down as PM.
"Respectfully, I strongly disagree with Anas," Ms Nandy told the broadcaster.
She said Starmer "made a mistake" in appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador - a mistake he is "right to have owned up to" and apologised for.
"We will go out and do the job that we were elected to do...we are all fully behind the prime minister," she added.
Former boss of Homes England joins Reform UK
18:42 , Georgia BellSimon Dudley, the former boss of Homes England has revealed he is joining Reform UK.
This comes as Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK announced he was working on bringing more “experts” on board to advise the party.
Dudley, who previously held positions at HSBC, said “For too long, the two main parties have failed to deliver housing for Brits.”
“They’ve pursued a disastrous combination of extreme levels of immigration with a severe lack of new good quality homes.”
Starmer met with applause at meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party
18:17 , Georgia BellSir Keir Starmer has been met with applause as he arrived at a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party.
He was greeted by a standing ovation, as MPs have rallied in support of the prime minister, the BBC reported.
Starmer leaves Downing Street to address Labour MPs
17:56 , Matt WattsSir Keir Starmer is expected to address Labour MPs within the next few minutes as he seeks to bolster support for his leadership.
He has just been seen leaving Downing Street in a car, which was expected to drive him to Parliament where he will then talk to the parliamentary Labour party.
Scores of Labour MPs and peers have packed into a Commons committee room where Sir Keir will address them as he fights for his political future.
Dozens of reporters gathered outside the room deep in the Palace of Westminster as security staff guarded the door.
Sarwar branded 'opportunist' after calling for Starmer to step down
17:52 , Matt WattsScotland’s First Minister has branded Anas Sarwar “an opportunist” after he called for the Prime Minister to step down.
Speaking to the Press Association at his official residence at Bute House, the John Swinney said: “For years, he has been a cheerleader for Keir Starmer and he’s described himself as an old friend of Peter Mandelson, without a moment’s thought for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein.
“And now he suddenly wants us to believe that Keir Starmer should move on, having defended all of the terrible decisions that Keir Starmer has made.”
He added: “What today tells us is that Anas Sarwar is an opportunist, and that he’s prepared to use every opportunity for his own self-preservation.”
Mr Sarwar’s intervention, at a hastily-arranged press conference in Glasgow, has “strengthened the Prime Minister”, Mr Swinney said, while demonstrating Mr Sarwar “has absolutely no influence” in the UK-wider Labour Party.
Nigel Farage putting Reform UK on 'election war footing'
17:32 , Matt WattsNigel Farage has said he is putting Reform UK on an “election war footing” amid the turmoil facing Keir Starmer.
In a post on X he said : “I am putting Reform UK on a general election war footing.”
There is no suggestion Labour are planning to take the country to the polls early, even if Keir Starmer is toppled as Prime Minister.
But Starmer faces a key test in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election- with Reform seen as Labour’s main rival. A poor result could see him pushed out by Labour MPs.
BREAKING NEWS
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) February 9, 2026
I am putting Reform UK on a general election war footing. 🚨 https://t.co/Igr425B4uU
David Lammy rejects calls for Starmer to stand down: 'It took 14 years to get here'
17:09 , Georgia BellThe deputy prime minister has hit back at calls for Sir Keir Starmer to stand down, Sky News reported.
Addressing reporters on Downing Street calling for the PM to go, Mr Lammy said: “It took 14 years to get here. No”.
Political crisis in No10 has eased, but this is not the end
16:37 , Megan HoweThere was an uneasy silence in Westminster this morning, as no cabinet ministers had come forward to back the Prime Minister, creating a tense atmosphere.
By the afternoon, however, ministers took to social media to show their support for Sir Keir Starmer, insisting he must be given time to ‘get the job done’.
But while it appears that the PM is safe from any mass cabinet walkout for now, the political crisis is far from over.
Some believe the PM’s position has become untenable following the fallout from the Peter Mandelson crisis, and that the issue is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson backs the PM
16:21 , Megan HoweEducation Secretary Bridget Phillipson has also backed the PM.
Speaking to BBC 5Live she said: “Starmer was elected 18 months ago to do a job and he should be allowed to get on and do that job".
She said Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar’s press conference this afternoon, to call for the resignation of the PM, was “profoundly the wrong call”.
Starmer is set to address the Parliamentary Labour Party later today.
Home Secretary becomes latest Cabinet minister to back Starmer
15:46 , Megan HoweShabana Mahmood said Sir Keir Starmer had her "full support" and called for her party to "get on with changing the country for the better".
The Home Secretary said in a post on X: "The PM won a five-year mandate from the British people just 18 months ago.
"Labour governments don't come along often. It is a privilege to serve in one and we must not waste a second.
"The PM has my full support. Let's get on with changing the country for the better."
The PM won a five year mandate from the British people just 18 months ago.
— Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) February 9, 2026
Labour governments don't come along often. It is a privilege to serve in one and we must not waste a second.
The PM has my full support. Let's get on with changing the country for the better.
Angela Rayner urges MPs to 'come together' as she backs Starmer
15:44 , Megan HoweAngela Rayner has urged MPs to "come together" as she backed the Prime Minister in a post on X.
The former deputy prime minister said: "The recent scandal around Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein was shocking - and demands that both this Government and our party learn the lessons, and act on them.
"But the worst possible response would be to play party politics or factional games. Labour is only getting started on changing things for the better - our Employment Rights Act, renters' rights, leasehold reform, free school meals and lifting kids out of poverty.
"I urge all my colleagues to come together, remember our values and put them into practice as a team. The Prime Minister has my full support in leading us to that end."
The recent scandal around Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein was shocking - and demands that both this government and our party learn the lessons, and act on them. 1/3
— Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) February 9, 2026
PM 'need to be given time to deliver' says Sadiq Khan
15:43 , Megan HoweLondon Mayor Sadiq Khan has shown his support for Sir Keir Starmer in a social media post.
He wrote on X this afternoon: “Keir Starmer was elected with a huge majority and needs to be given the time to deliver, especially given the extremely challenging circumstances he inherited after 14 years of Tory governments.”
Keir Starmer was elected with a huge majority and needs to be given the time to deliver, especially given the extremely challenging circumstances he inherited after 14 years of Tory governments.
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) February 9, 2026
Lisa Nandy also said Sir Keir Starmer has her 'full support'
15:35 , Megan HoweJoining the majority of her Cabinet colleagues in backing the Prime Minister with a post on X, the Culture Secretary said: "We were elected just 18 months ago to fundamentally change this country and improve lives after more than a decade of decline.
"The Prime Minister is right to take that obligation seriously and he has my full support as he works in difficult circumstances to deliver."
We were elected just eighteen months ago to fundamentally change this country and improve lives after more than a decade of decline.
— Lisa Nandy MP (@lisanandy) February 9, 2026
The Prime Minister is right to take that obligation seriously and he has my full support as he works in difficult circumstances to deliver.
Scotland Secretary Douglas Alexander says Sir Keir 'has my support'
15:22 , Megan HoweScotland Secretary Douglas Alexander said the Prime Minister has recognised that "lessons have to be learned but also that we change how we do Government" as he said Sir Keir Starmer "has my support."
He said in a statement posted on X: "Anas has reached his own decision and I respect that. My job - as Anas acknowledged today - is to make sure Scotland's voice is heard in Cabinet.
"My focus remains on doing that. The Prime Minister has recognised not just that lessons have to be learned but also that we change how we do Government.
"He is right about that and has my support. Like all Labour MPs we want the Labour Government to be the government that the people of this country hoped for when they rejected the Tories. That is where all of my energies are and will remained focused."
Statement: pic.twitter.com/hB6WyI9RfF
— Douglas Alexander (@D_G_Alexander) February 9, 2026
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has backed the Prime Minister
15:20 , Megan HoweThe former Labour leader said in a post on X: "Keir has earned the right to deliver the change he has promised and do what he cares about - which is to serve the country.
"This is not the time for the Government to turn inwards on itself. We must focus on delivering the change we promised the country."
Keir has earned the right to deliver the change he has promised and do what he cares about - which is to serve the country.
— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) February 9, 2026
This is not the time for the government to turn inwards on itself. We must focus on delivering the change we promised the country.
Heidi Alexander says Anas Sarwar was 'wrong' to call for PM's resignation
15:19 , Megan HoweHeidi Alexander said Anas Sarwar was "wrong" after the Scottish Labour leader said Sir Keir Starmer should resign.
The Transport Secretary said in a post on X: "I respect (Anas Sarwar) but he is wrong.
"Keir led our party to a general election victory 18 months ago and he is the right person for the job in difficult circumstances.
“The public want us to fix the country's problems, not fixate on ourselves."
I respect @anassarwar but he is wrong. Keir led our party to a General Election victory 18 months ago and he is the right person for the job in difficult circumstances. The public want us to fix the country’s problems, not fixate on ourselves.
— Heidi Alexander MP (@Heidi_Labour) February 9, 2026
'Starmer doesn't need to resign,' Wes Streeting tells Sky News
15:12 , Megan HoweSpeaking to Sky News's Electoral Dysfunction podcast Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged that the atmosphere was "febrile", but said that "Keir Starmer doesn't need to resign" and called on colleagues to give the PM "a chance".
The Prime Minister has my full support, says Chief Whip
15:11 , Megan HoweChief whip Jonathan Reynolds said "resorting to infighting now does not serve the country" as he backed Sir Keir Starmer.
He said in a post on social media: "The Prime Minister has my full support and is delivering the change the country voted for.
"He won a mandate to serve working people and the country and we must continue to deliver on the progress we've already made.
"Resorting to infighting now does not serve the country."
The Prime Minister has my full support and is delivering the change the country voted for.
— Jonathan Reynolds (@jreynoldsMP) February 9, 2026
He won a mandate to serve working people and the country and we must continue to deliver on the progress we’ve already made.
Resorting to infighting now does not serve the country.
Cabinet ministers rally around the PM
15:06 , Megan HoweCabinet ministers are rallying around the Prime Minister now ahead of his meeting with the PLP.
So far at least eight have backed Sir Keir. David Lammy, Steve Reed, Pat McFadden, Liz Kendall, John Healey, Richard Hermer, Rachel Reeves and Yvette Cooper all publicly saying they support the Prime Minister remaining in post.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper backs the Prime Minister
15:05 , Megan HoweForeign Secretary Yvette Cooper has also backed the Prime Minister.
In a post on X, she wrote: "Later this week, Keir Starmer will lead our delegation to the Munich Security Conference.
"At this crucial time for the world, we need his leadership not just at home but on the global stage, and we need to keep our focus where it matters, on keeping our country safe."
The British public gave Keir a huge mandate only 18 months ago.
— John Healey (@JohnHealey_MP) February 9, 2026
They wanted a Labour government. They want us to deliver the change we promised. They expect us to get on with the job.
The PM has my fullest support in leading this government and this country.
Defence Secretary John Healey said Sir Keir Starmer had his 'fullest support'
15:04 , Megan HoweDefence Secretary John Healey said Sir Keir Starmer had his "fullest support".
He said in a post on X: "The British public gave Keir a huge mandate only 18 months ago.
"They wanted a Labour government. They want us to deliver the change we promised. They expect us to get on with the job.
"The PM has my fullest support in leading this Government and this country."
The British public gave Keir a huge mandate only 18 months ago.
— John Healey (@JohnHealey_MP) February 9, 2026
They wanted a Labour government. They want us to deliver the change we promised. They expect us to get on with the job.
The PM has my fullest support in leading this government and this country.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed backs Sir Keir Starmer
15:03 , Megan HoweCommunities Secretary Steve Reed messaged on X: “Keir led our party to victory and won a mandate for change.
“Waiting lists are falling, wages are rising, new rights for renters and leaseholders. We need to stay the course and deliver the change this country voted for.”
Keir led our party to victory and won a mandate for change. Waiting lists are falling, wages are rising, new rights for renters and leaseholders. We need to stay the course and deliver the change this country voted for.
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedMP) February 9, 2026
Chancellor Rachel Reeves becomes second Cabinet minister to back Starmer
14:48 , Megan HoweChancellor Rachel Reeves has given her backing to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
She said: "Rebuilding Britain takes time. But thanks to the decisions we've made NHS waiting lists are falling. Inflation is falling. Interest rates are falling.
"The conditions for the economy to grow are there.
"With Keir as our Prime Minister we are turning the country around."
Rebuilding Britain takes time. But thanks to the decisions we've made NHS waiting lists are falling. Inflation is falling. Interest rates are falling. The conditions for the economy to grow are there.
— Rachel Reeves (@RachelReevesMP) February 9, 2026
With Keir as our Prime Minister we are turning the country around.
Anas Sarwar calls for calls for Sir Keir Starmer to resign
14:40 , Megan HoweAnas Sarwar has called on Sir Keir Starmer to resign, claiming there have been “too many mistakes”.
While acknowledging that Sir Keir Starmer has made positive decisions in his premiership, he said “too much has happened” for the PM to continue.
The Scottish Labour leader issued the demand at a hastily convened press conference in Glasgow on Monday.
“We cannot allow the failures at the heart of Downing Street to mean the failures continue here in Scotland,” says Mr Sarwar.
“Keir Starmer is a decent man and it is no secret that I have always got on well with him and he has dedicated his life to public service,” he added.
But Mr Sarwar said his “priority” must be Scotland and that the leadership in the UK Government has become a “huge distraction”.
Mr Sarwar is the most senior Labour politician to call for Sir Keir to go, perhaps conscious of the task facing Scottish Labour in May's Holyrood elections.
The Prime Minister's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney quit on Sunday and communications chief Tim Allan left on Monday in the wake of the Lord Mandelson row.
David Lammy first Cabinet minister to back Starmer
14:35 , Megan Howe“Keir Starmer won a massive mandate 18 months ago, for five years to deliver on Labour’s manifesto that we all stood on,” says Lammy.
“We should let nothing distract us from our mission to change Britain and we support the Prime Minister in doing that.”
Keir Starmer won a massive mandate 18 months ago, for five years to deliver on Labour’s manifesto that we all stood on.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) February 9, 2026
We should let nothing distract us from our mission to change Britain and we support the Prime Minister in doing that.
All eyes on Cabinet ministers and whether they will support Starmer
14:33 , Megan HoweAll eyes are on Cabinet ministers and whether they will come out and publicly support Sir Keir Starmer in the growing crisis for his premiership.
Their silence so far on Monday is fuelling the feverish mood at Westminster.
Skills minister Baroness Smith, not a member of the Cabinet, did the morning media round for the Government.
'Increasingly difficult' for Starmer to stay on, says Labour MP
14:21 , Megan HoweBlackley and Middleton South MP Graham Stringer has said the PM “cannot survive this amount of chaos”, as calls grow for him to resign.
The Scottish Labour leader issued the demand at a hastily convened press conference in Glasgow on Monday.
The MP tells BBC Radio 4's World at One that, whilst he personally does not want Starmer to resign, he believes it is "increasingly difficult" for the PM to maintain his position.
It is "clearly a question of when - not if," adds Stringer, who says he believes the right time for the prime minister to resign is after the local elections in May.
Silence from Starmer's Cabinet is 'deafening'
13:59 , Matt WattsThe lack of senior Cabinet figures giving their support to Sir Keir Starmer is “deafening”, according to Sky News’ deputy political editor Sam Coates.
He highlighted the fact that senior figures such as Chancellor Rachel Reeves haven’t come out in support of the PM.
He called it a moment of “maximum peril” for the Prime Minister.
Starmer is to address Labour MPs later today in his bid to stay in power.
Scottish Labour leader 'to call on Starmer to stand down'
13:28 , Matt WattsThe Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is expected to call for the prime minister to stand down, according to reports.
Mr Sarwar has arranged a news conference this afternoon where he will set out his position on Keir Starmer’s leadership of the country and then of the Labour Party.
The BBC and the Times are both reporting that Mr Sarwar is expected to use the press conference in Glagow- due to kick off at 2.30pm - to call for Sir Keir to resign.
Senior figures in the Scottish party have been saying in recent days that their chances in May’s elections would be improved if Starmer left office.
Last week, Mr Sarwar said that Peter Mandelson should never have been considered for the post of UK ambassador to Washington because of his links with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Mr Sarwar belives the resignation of the PM’s chief of staff and director of communications in the past 24 hours isn’t enough, the BBC reported.
Sir Keir Starmer is 'not resigning', Downing Street says
12:34 , Megan HoweSir Keir Starmer is not resigning and will be “concentrating on the job in hand”, Downing Street said this afternoon.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson insisted that Sir Keir was “upbeat” and “confident”, despite his premiership being plunged into unprecedented crisis.
He denied that the PM had gone into bunker-mode amid the No10 resignations.
Asked about reports going into the weekend that Sir Keir had been remorseful and wavering over his political future, he said: "That is not the Prime Minister who appeared in front of staff this morning. It is very clear that he remains determined to tackle the job in hand."
The Prime Minister is confident he has the unanimous support of Cabinet, the spokesman said.
FTSE dips as investors focus on political crisis rocking Starmer
12:26 , Megan HoweThe FTSE 100 dipped on Monday morning, as investors focused on the political crisis rocking Sir Keir Starmer.
The FTSE-100 index at 11:45am was down 9.85 at 10359.90.
By-election will be 'crucial' for Starmer, says Welsh Labour MP
12:15 , Megan HoweRuth Jones, Newport and Islwyn MP, says the PM has been "wounded" by recent events but asks: "Is it fatal? I don't know. We'll wait and see."
She tells Radio Wales Breakfast that elections in Gorton and Denton and Wales will be "crucial".
"Depending on what happens there, then I think we judge the prime minister on those events and the results that the Labour Party gets."
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn calls for PM to 'do the decent thing and resign'
12:12 , Megan HoweSNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has said “this never-ending chaos can’t go on”, as he calls for the PM to resign.
In a statement, Mr Flynn said: "The Labour Government is in chaos and completely distracted from the issues that matter - like helping families with the cost of living, which has soared under Keir Starmer.
"On the Prime Minister's watch, the Labour Party has lurched from one crisis to another and has failed to deliver the change voters were promised. Instead, we've had more of the same.
"It's not in Scotland's interests - or anyone's interests - for this chaos to continue endlessly.
"It's clear voters have lost confidence in Keir Starmer and, with his own MPs calling for him to go, he has become a lame duck leader who lacks the authority needed to deliver change."
He added: "This never-ending chaos can't go on. Keir Starmer should do the decent thing and resign."
Labour MP for Hackney says 'calm heads needed' all round
12:02 , Megan HoweDame Meg Hillier, Labour MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch, told The Standard: “Calm heads needed all round.
“The British public will not be impressed by internal arguments. All in government need to focus on what we were elected to do - run the country fir the benefit of the people we represent.”
'We must prove politics can be a force for good,' PM says as he addresses No10 staff
11:59 , Megan HoweAddressing No10 staff today, the Prime Minister claimed they were united by a “driving purpose” of “public duty”.
Referring to the Mandelson scandal, he said: “The thing that makes me most angry is the undermining of the belief that politics can be a force for good and can change lives.
“I have been absolutely clear that I regret the decision that I made to appoint Peter Mandelson. And I've apologised to the victims which is the right thing to do.”
Paying tribute to Morgan McSweeney, he said: “I've known Morgan for eight years as a colleague and as a friend. We have run up and down every political football pitch that is across the country. We've been in every battle that we needed to be in together. Fighting that battle.2
He added: ““We changed the Labour Party together. We won a general election together. And none of that would have been possible without Morgan McSweeney.
“His dedication, his commitment and his loyalty to our party and our country was second to none. And I want to thank him for his service.”
He highlighted the work of the Government including tackling the cost of living and cutting NHS waiting lists.
Seeking to focus on policy issues rather than the Mandelson scandal, he said: “In just a few months, we start the work of lifting half a million children out of poverty. A massive thing to do in this country because that means that lives will be changed.
“For decades to come, children who otherwise wouldn't have fair chance and fair opportunity. Poverty holds children back like nothing else on earth. And so getting rid of child poverty opens up opportunities for so many.”
He concluded: “We must prove that politics can be a force for good. I believe it can. I believe it is. We go forward from here. We go with confidence as we continue changing the country.”
Sir Keir has told staff at No10 they must prove politics can be a 'force for good'
11:55 , Megan HoweSir Keir Starmer has told staff at No 10 that they must prove that politics can be a “force for good” and that they will go forward “with confidence as we continue changing the country”.
Keir Starmer losing grip on power as No10 communications chief Tim Allan quits in Mandelson scandal
11:54 , Megan HoweSir Keir Starmer’s director of communications has quit as the Prime Minister appeared to be losing grip on No10.
Tim Allan’s departure comes after the PM’s chief-of-staff Morgan McSweeney resigned 24 hours earlier over the Mandelson scandal.
In a statement, Mr Allan said: “I have decided to stand down to allow a new No10 team to be built.
“I wish the PM and his team every success.”
Keir Starmer losing grip on power as No10 communications chief Tim Allan quits
Starmer to meet with MPs this afternoon to rally support
11:53 , Megan HoweMorgan McSweeney and Tim Allan’s resignations come after the Andy Burnham-backed Labour pressure group Mainstream last week demanded the "total overhaul of personnel" in Downing Street amid the fallout from the Peter Mandelson scandal.
Mainstream’s interim council called for a "clean break" after the "betrayal" of the peer's appointment to "one of the most powerful diplomatic posts on the planet".
The Prime Minister is set to meet with his MPs later this afternoon to try and convince them not to force him out over the scandal.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told the Standard on Monday morning that Sir Keir will use the meeting “to acknowledge it has been a difficult week for the Government.”
He added: “But I think he will also say we have a mission to change the country, that we’re only 18 months into a five year term, that he’s got a lot more work to do to change the country.
“I think the meeting tonight will recognise the last week but it will result in the room getting behind the Prime Minister and making sure we support him in the coming period.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch calls for Sir Keir Starmer to resign
11:48 , Megan HoweTory leader Kemi Badenoch said Keir Starmer is "blowing around like a plastic bag in the wind" and should resign if he "can't do the job".
Speaking at a pub in Surrey, she said "It's quite clear that Keir Starmer does not have a grip on his Government.
"He is in office, but not in power, and our country is not being governed.
"The Labour Party have a huge majority, but can't run anything. They need to decide who is the best person to lead their party so that they can fix the problems of this country.
"What I'm seeing is a Government that is completely adrift. The Prime Minister is blowing around like a plastic bag in the wind. If he can't do the job, then yes, he should go."
Asked if Labour MPs should hold a vote of no confidence in Sir Keir, she said: "I have said that if they are ready to have a confidence vote, they should speak to my whips. A few Labour MPs have given some indications, I can't say who and exactly when, but right now, what the country needs is stability and certainty."
Labour should avoid 'plunging' into leadership contest, MP claims
11:46 , Megan HoweClive Efford, Labour MP for Eltham and Chislehurst, told the BBC’s Westminster Hour that the party should avoid “plunging” into the “long drawn out democratic process” of a leadership contest.
He warned that colleagues hoping to replace the Prime Minister should “be careful” what they wish for.
'Great deal of support' on the backbenches, says MP Rachel Blake
11:41 , Megan HoweRachel Blake, Labour MP for the Cities of London and Westminster, insisted there was a “great deal of support” for the PM on the Labour backbenches.
She told the BBC’s Westminster Hour: “Going into this inward-looking focus into the inner workings of the Labour Party at a time when….we know that there is still a cost of living crisis going on.
“And the idea that pursuing this instability is the right thing for the country is for the birds as far as I’m concerned.”
Harrow MP claims it would be 'wrong to change the pilot at this stage'
11:40 , Megan HoweSome Labour MPs are still backing the PM, though, including Harrow West Labour MP Gareth Thomas.
He said: “Keir should definitely stay put.
“He is doing a great job on the international stage and we are beginning to make real change domestically.
“It would be wrong to change the pilot at this stage.”
Diane Abbott claims Labour colleagues believe PM's position is 'untenable'
11:39 , Megan HoweDiane Abbott, who was elected at the 2024 election as Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington but currently an independent, said Labour colleagues believed Sir Keir’s position was “untenable”.
She told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “The only question is does he go now or do they hold until May because the May elections will be catastrophic.”
Downing Street director of communications quits
11:37 , Megan HoweKeir Starmer’s executive director of communications, Tim Allen, has quit.
It comes as another blow to Starmer who is battling to save his premiership after the resignation of his most trusted aide, Morgan McSweeney, on Sunday.
Continued revelations from the Epstein files has piled the pressure on Number 10.
There has been growing anger among Labour MPs around the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the US, after he was named in the files.
In a statement this morning, Allan said: "I have decided to stand down to allow a new No10 team to be built. I wish the PM and his team every success."
Tim Allan served as a press officer to Tony Blair between 1994 and 1998 during his time as shadow home secretary and then went on to become a key advisor in Downing Street.
Allan left Downing Street in 1999 to take a job with Robert Murdoch.
In September 2025, Allan re-joined operations in Downing Street as Starmer's director of communications, succeeding James Lyon.
