We reveal what MPs are saying about the decision to block Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election. It creates a new D-Day for Keir Starmer: 26th February.

On Labour's left wing, it's Operation Stop Streeting.

Meanwhile, the prime minister's off to China but can he make the case to voters that getting closer to China will make everyone feel better off?

And Gabriel reveals something startling about Starmer's recent phone call with Donald Trump.

Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times

Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times

Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times

Producer: Euan Dawtrey

Executive producer: Molly Guinness

Picture credit: Getty Images

Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

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Lose this by-election and all hell breaks loose