Political Shifts and Missed Opportunities

Keir Starmer announced 'Phase 2' of his government on Monday - a reset of his Downing St operation supposed to get Labour gripping the agenda and on the front foot for the year ahead.

Just four days on, the PM faces his biggest test yet. Angela Rayner, the deputy PM, housing secretary, and deputy Labour leader resigning after a breach of the ministerial code for not paying the correct tax on the purchase of a flat in Hove.

In response, Starmer is undergoing a sweeping reshuffle - only the chancellor Rachel Reeves was told her job was safe ahead of time.

What happens now? Could a left-wing candidate cause Starmer a major political headache if they run to replace Rayner as deputy leader? Will Rayner become a lightning rod on the backbenches? Does Starmer risk creating yet more enemies in sacking cabinet ministers?

Can Starmer use this moment to bolster his authority - or is it his most destabilising day in office?