UK Politics – live: Tory MP Dan Poulter defects to Labour as plot hatched to oust Sunak before general election

We’re pausing live blog updates – thanks for following along here.

You can keep scrolling to catch up on this morning’s political programmes, with embattled Rishi Sunak, Wes Streeting and Home Secretary Chris Phelp appearing – fresh from their lives. Appearance on Question time Earlier this week.

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell It also contains this article on the latest threat to Mr Sunak’s leadership and his refusal to rule out a summer general election:

Keir Starmer has pledged to retain the triple lock on pensions for at least five years if he enters Downing Street, in a pre-election bid to appeal to older voters.

The Labor leader said pensioners “deserve certainty” because it ensures the triple lock will be “protected for the duration of the next Parliament” under him as prime minister.

The triple lock refers to the commitment to raise the state pension each year in line with whichever is higher than wage growth, inflation or 2.5 per cent.

It has become a hallmark of successive Conservative governments since it was announced in 2010, but there has been debate over its long-term future due to the costs.

Dr Dan Poulter defected to the Labor Party, claiming that the Conservatives had become a “nationalist party of the right”.

But critics have pointed to Poulter’s record as a Tory MP over the past 14 years, a time when the NHS has come under enormous pressure.

less, The IndependentPolitical correspondent Archie Mitchell He looks at Mr Poulter’s career as an MP and why he defected to the Labor Party:

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said Humza Yousaf was “finished” even if he survived a future vote of no confidence with the support of the Alba party.

On Thursday, Ross said he would table a motion of no confidence in the First Minister, with other opposition parties at Holyrood, including the Greens, saying they would support him.

On BBC Scotland Sunday showMr Ross said: “He cannot continue as First Minister, as I told him in my reply to his letter yesterday. He should resign.”

The Scottish Conservative leader continued: “Even if he survives, it depends on a tied vote with the Speaker voting in favor of the status quo. This does not enjoy the confidence of the entire Scottish Parliament.

“Even if he manages to succeed with the support of Alex Salmond, in the end it will end anyway.”

Wes Streeting said he hoped Dan Poulter’s defection would “send a signal” to disaffected Conservatives that they were “welcome to join us in the Labor Party”.

“It is a sign of the state of the Conservative Party, but also of the strength of the Labor Party, that we are attracting someone like Dan Poulter to the Labor benches before the general election arrives.

“I hope this sends a signal to disaffected Conservatives looking for a political home that they are welcome to join us in the Labor Party.

“Because we want to unite our country, the challenges are so great, we must bring our country together again to address the state of our economy and public services and the threats in this dangerous and volatile world in which we find ourselves.” “.

Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has expressed his thoughts on whether Humza Yousaf will be able to survive a vote of no confidence.

my colleague Sophie Thompson Reports:

Labour’s Wes Streeting said Rishi Sunak is “packing” the general election and “must continue to do so” because people are “tired of waiting”, claiming the Prime Minister “will have to be dragged out of Downing Street with his fingernails”. .

The shadow health secretary told Sky News: “I can tell you, having campaigned across the country in these local elections, the number one question being asked across the country is when do you think the general election will be?”

“People are crying out for a chance to judge this government and vote for change.

“That’s why the Prime Minister held an election earlier this year. That’s why he’s mobilizing now. That’s why he will have to be taken out of Downing Street by his fingernails by the end of the year.”

Rishi Sunak has been warned that losses in the Tees Valley and West Midlands mayoral elections would “send the eagles soaring”, with anxious Tory MPs sparked to challenge the leadership.

Ben Houchen and Andy Street are two of the most powerful figures in the Conservative Party outside Westminster, and have built major personal brands. When they were seated The last date for elections is in 2021Mr Houchen received a remarkable 72 per cent of the vote, while Mr Street won 54 per cent.

But, in a worrying sign a week before the polls open the following week, pollsters are recording a close race in both races, with Houshen slightly ahead in the Tees Valley, while Street is slightly behind in the West Midlands race.

Chris Hopkins, director of polling firm Savanta, said that if both Tory mayors lost, “the eagles would really soar for Rishi Sunak” and “it would show how influential the Tory brand is at a national level.”

“These two figures are running campaigns as independently of the Conservative Party as possible, and the fact that the two races are close is testament to the strength of their personal brands.

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell He has the full report:

Lorna Slater, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, has indicated her party will not change its mind about supporting the upcoming motion of no confidence in Humza Yousaf.

On BBC Scotland Sunday showMs Slater said they would vote in favor of the motion.

“I can’t imagine anything at this point that could change this situation,” she said. “This was a blatant breach of trust.”

Asked whether Youssef’s political presentations before the vote could persuade them to abstain, Ms Slater said: “[The Bute House Agreement] It was built on mutual trust and respect. I have the confidence and respect of many of my colleagues in the SNP.

But Hamza Yusuf himself broke that and has to face the consequences.”