Boris Johnson claims publication of Covid inquiry ruling unfairly implies he is holding back documents – as it happened

Boris Johnson outside his house in March. Photograph: Kirsty O’Connor/PA

6.04pm BST

Early evening summary

• Downing Street has denied Boris Johnson is the victim of a politically motivated stitch-up, as Rishi Sunak sought to distance himself from a fresh police investigation into further Partygate claims.

• Boris Johnson has severed ties with government lawyers supporting him during the Covid inquiry, with allies saying he had “lost faith” in the system after he was reported to police over fresh Partygate allegations. He has also complained about the publication today of an order by the Covid inquiry saying that his unredacted WhatsApp messages must be handed over to it, arguing that the release of this statement unfairly implies he is withholding information. (See 2.03pm.)

• Keir Starmer has accused the government of having “lost control of immigration”, as Labour announced a plan to change the post-Brexit migration system to boost skills and wages.

• Suella Braverman will remain as home secretary, after Rishi Sunak decided not to order an investigation into whether she broke the ministerial code by requesting a one-to-one speed awareness course.

Rishi Sunak leaving No 10 for PMQs. Photograph: Jordan Pettitt/PA

5.49pm BST

Paul Mason, the leftwing Labour activist and former Newsnight economics editor, has welcomed Rachel Reeves’ speech. (See 5.30pm.)

There is a lot for the left to build on in @RachelReevesMP Peterson speech: total alignment with Bidenomics on reshoring, decent work and Western security objectives - in stark opposition to Tories who cling to failed globalisation.... pic.twitter.com/gf4heE8Rul

— Paul Mason (@paulmasonnews) May 24, 2023