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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Chuka Umunna drops out of Labour leadership race – politics live blog | Chuka Umunna drops out of Labour leadership race – politics live blog |
| (6 months later) | |
| 5.01pm BST | |
| 17:01 | |
| Afternoon summary | Afternoon summary |
| The Labour leadership election and the Labour campaign to stay in the EU Read: http://t.co/Y2DtOg0A20 | The Labour leadership election and the Labour campaign to stay in the EU Read: http://t.co/Y2DtOg0A20 |
| Exclusive: Sources in Ukip now alleging Farage never officially resigned in ‘stitch-up’ to avoid a leadership contest http://t.co/ilXPuk5D9T | Exclusive: Sources in Ukip now alleging Farage never officially resigned in ‘stitch-up’ to avoid a leadership contest http://t.co/ilXPuk5D9T |
| That’s it from me today. It’s been a pleasure. Thank you for all your comments. I hope you can now all enjoy the weekend safe in the knowledge Johnny Depp’s dogs were saved from being put down in Australia. | That’s it from me today. It’s been a pleasure. Thank you for all your comments. I hope you can now all enjoy the weekend safe in the knowledge Johnny Depp’s dogs were saved from being put down in Australia. |
| Updated | |
| at 5.07pm BST | |
| 4.30pm BST | |
| 16:30 | |
| Let’s leave Ukip for now and return to Chuka Umunna and his dramatic decision to ditch his Labour leadership bid. | Let’s leave Ukip for now and return to Chuka Umunna and his dramatic decision to ditch his Labour leadership bid. |
| Yvette Cooper, who would have been one of Umunna’s competitors for the role had he remained in the race, has praised her colleague. | Yvette Cooper, who would have been one of Umunna’s competitors for the role had he remained in the race, has praised her colleague. |
| Real shame @ChukaUmunna has had to take this decision & has had pressure put on friends/family. Great guy w strong future role in @UKLabour | Real shame @ChukaUmunna has had to take this decision & has had pressure put on friends/family. Great guy w strong future role in @UKLabour |
| 4.27pm BST | |
| 16:27 | |
| The Clacton Gazette has managed to get through to Douglas Carswell to ask him whether he is the man singled out by Nigel Farage as an agitator who does not have the “courage to break cover”. | The Clacton Gazette has managed to get through to Douglas Carswell to ask him whether he is the man singled out by Nigel Farage as an agitator who does not have the “courage to break cover”. |
| But Carswell, Ukip’s only MP, refused to be drawn. When asked if he was the “senior figure” privately calling for a leadership contest, Carswell told his constituency’s local paper that was a question “to ask him”. | But Carswell, Ukip’s only MP, refused to be drawn. When asked if he was the “senior figure” privately calling for a leadership contest, Carswell told his constituency’s local paper that was a question “to ask him”. |
| 4.10pm BST | |
| 16:10 | |
| Staying with Ukip for a moment, the plot doesn’t just thicken... it becomes positively clotted. A report in the Spectator claims Ukip leader Nigel Farage never wrote a letter to the party’s chairman tendering his resignation. | Staying with Ukip for a moment, the plot doesn’t just thicken... it becomes positively clotted. A report in the Spectator claims Ukip leader Nigel Farage never wrote a letter to the party’s chairman tendering his resignation. |
| Ukip sources have told the magazine that Farage didn’t submit a formal resignation to avoid a leadership contest, despite telling the media he would write to the party resigning. | Ukip sources have told the magazine that Farage didn’t submit a formal resignation to avoid a leadership contest, despite telling the media he would write to the party resigning. |
| Party rules dictate that a leadership contest must be called if a written resignation is received - regardless of whether the party accepts or rejects the decision. | Party rules dictate that a leadership contest must be called if a written resignation is received - regardless of whether the party accepts or rejects the decision. |
| Just what is going on? | Just what is going on? |
| Exclusive: Sources in Ukip now alleging Farage never officially resigned in ‘stitch-up’ to avoid a leadership contest http://t.co/ilXPuk5D9T | Exclusive: Sources in Ukip now alleging Farage never officially resigned in ‘stitch-up’ to avoid a leadership contest http://t.co/ilXPuk5D9T |
| Updated | |
| at 4.10pm BST | |
| 3.57pm BST | |
| 15:57 | |
| Nigel Farage has challenged an anonymous senior Ukip figure, who has been quoted as wanting to oust him as leader, to quit the party if he cannot be more supportive. | Nigel Farage has challenged an anonymous senior Ukip figure, who has been quoted as wanting to oust him as leader, to quit the party if he cannot be more supportive. |
| The remarks prompted speculation that he is talking about Douglas Carswell, Ukip’s only MP, who has disagreed with Farage over issues such as preventing foreigners with HIV from migrating to the UK and whether to accept £3.25m in public funding for the party’s parliamentary office. | The remarks prompted speculation that he is talking about Douglas Carswell, Ukip’s only MP, who has disagreed with Farage over issues such as preventing foreigners with HIV from migrating to the UK and whether to accept £3.25m in public funding for the party’s parliamentary office. |
| 3.50pm BST | |
| 15:50 | |
| Ex-Ukip MEP guilty of expenses fraud | Ex-Ukip MEP guilty of expenses fraud |
| This seems like an apt time to return to Ukip’s mounting woes - former Ukip MEP Ashley Mote has been found guilty of fraudulently claiming almost £500,000 in European Parliament expenses. | This seems like an apt time to return to Ukip’s mounting woes - former Ukip MEP Ashley Mote has been found guilty of fraudulently claiming almost £500,000 in European Parliament expenses. |
| Mote, 79, was convicted at Southwark Crown Court of 12 fraud-related offences and of using the gains to fund his court battles in the UK. | Mote, 79, was convicted at Southwark Crown Court of 12 fraud-related offences and of using the gains to fund his court battles in the UK. |
| Mote, of Binsted, Hampshire, was found guilty of four counts of obtaining a money transfer by deception, three of false accounting, two of fraud, and one each of acquiring criminal property, concealing criminal property and theft. The offences took place between November 2004 and July 2010. | Mote, of Binsted, Hampshire, was found guilty of four counts of obtaining a money transfer by deception, three of false accounting, two of fraud, and one each of acquiring criminal property, concealing criminal property and theft. The offences took place between November 2004 and July 2010. |
| The jury took just an hour and 42 minutes to return the verdict, which comes as Ukip is swamped by infighting over Nigel Farage’s leadership and party funding. | The jury took just an hour and 42 minutes to return the verdict, which comes as Ukip is swamped by infighting over Nigel Farage’s leadership and party funding. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.51pm BST | |
| 3.40pm BST | |
| 15:40 | |
| Owen Jones | Owen Jones |
| Guardian columnist Owen Jones has given his fierce take on reports that Chuka Umunna stepped down from the Labour leadership race due to overbearing media scrutiny. He writes: | Guardian columnist Owen Jones has given his fierce take on reports that Chuka Umunna stepped down from the Labour leadership race due to overbearing media scrutiny. He writes: |
| Chuka should have expected it and learned to take it, some will say. It’s all part of the territory. If you don’t want that level of intense scrutiny, choose a different path in life. You saw what they did to Ed Miliband, did you not? What a bleak approach, that the price of political service should be having your life and the lives of those who love you torn to shreds. A mean, cruel, macho, debased political “debate”, stripped of humanity or understanding. | Chuka should have expected it and learned to take it, some will say. It’s all part of the territory. If you don’t want that level of intense scrutiny, choose a different path in life. You saw what they did to Ed Miliband, did you not? What a bleak approach, that the price of political service should be having your life and the lives of those who love you torn to shreds. A mean, cruel, macho, debased political “debate”, stripped of humanity or understanding. |
| 3.28pm BST | |
| 15:28 | |
| Tristram Hunt undecided over leadership bid | Tristram Hunt undecided over leadership bid |
| Tristram Hunt continues to tease over his plans to run for Labour leadership, resisting the opportunity to launch a bid in the wake of potential rival Chuka Umunna’s withdrawal from the race. | Tristram Hunt continues to tease over his plans to run for Labour leadership, resisting the opportunity to launch a bid in the wake of potential rival Chuka Umunna’s withdrawal from the race. |
| Hunt said he was “continuing to listen to colleagues” as he weighed up whether to compete in the contest. The remarks echo his comments on last night’s Question Time, when he admitted he was “interested” in the leadership. | Hunt said he was “continuing to listen to colleagues” as he weighed up whether to compete in the contest. The remarks echo his comments on last night’s Question Time, when he admitted he was “interested” in the leadership. |
| He will tomorrow join the four declared candidates at a high-profile debate at the annual conference of the Blairite think-tank Progress. | He will tomorrow join the four declared candidates at a high-profile debate at the annual conference of the Blairite think-tank Progress. |
| Addressing his local party in Stoke-on-Trent this evening, he will say: | Addressing his local party in Stoke-on-Trent this evening, he will say: |
| As today marks the official beginning of the contest, I am continuing to listen to colleagues in the Parliamentary Labour Party on their views on how we rebuild the Labour Party to get us back into government. | As today marks the official beginning of the contest, I am continuing to listen to colleagues in the Parliamentary Labour Party on their views on how we rebuild the Labour Party to get us back into government. |
| I will tomorrow join leadership contenders at Progress’s Annual Conference to set out my analysis on how we begin to understand what went so wrong and why. | I will tomorrow join leadership contenders at Progress’s Annual Conference to set out my analysis on how we begin to understand what went so wrong and why. |
| 3.19pm BST | |
| 15:19 | |
| Communication Workers Union calls for Jim Murphy to resign | Communication Workers Union calls for Jim Murphy to resign |
| Just as we were looking at Scottish Labour, another union has added to the growing number of voices calling on Jim Murphy to resign. | Just as we were looking at Scottish Labour, another union has added to the growing number of voices calling on Jim Murphy to resign. |
| Unite, Unison, Aslef and now the Communication Workers Union (CWU) are all leaning on Murphy to go. | Unite, Unison, Aslef and now the Communication Workers Union (CWU) are all leaning on Murphy to go. |
| A CWU spokesman said: | A CWU spokesman said: |
| CWU is calling for the resignation of Jim Murphy as Scottish Labour leader following the Party’s performance in the general election, which was particularly disastrous in Scotland. | CWU is calling for the resignation of Jim Murphy as Scottish Labour leader following the Party’s performance in the general election, which was particularly disastrous in Scotland. |
| It is clear that the Labour Party needs to rebuild in Scotland and CWU believes that will be done most effectively under new leadership.” | It is clear that the Labour Party needs to rebuild in Scotland and CWU believes that will be done most effectively under new leadership.” |
| CWU is affiliated to the Labour Party and represents workers in post, telecoms, mobile, and financial services companies including BT, Capita, EE, O2, Parcelforce, the Post Office, Royal Mail, Santander and UK Mail. | CWU is affiliated to the Labour Party and represents workers in post, telecoms, mobile, and financial services companies including BT, Capita, EE, O2, Parcelforce, the Post Office, Royal Mail, Santander and UK Mail. |
| CWU calls for resignation of Scottish Labour Leader Jim Murphy following Party's performance in general election http://t.co/YU9E53xSZU | CWU calls for resignation of Scottish Labour Leader Jim Murphy following Party's performance in general election http://t.co/YU9E53xSZU |
| 3.11pm BST | |
| 15:11 | |
| Today’s focus in Scotland has been firmly placed on discussions between the Tories and the SNP. But the crisis facing Scottish Labour is still rumbling on as pressure mounts on the party’s leader Jim Murphy to step down. | Today’s focus in Scotland has been firmly placed on discussions between the Tories and the SNP. But the crisis facing Scottish Labour is still rumbling on as pressure mounts on the party’s leader Jim Murphy to step down. |
| Labour MSP Neil Findlay, who resigned from Labour’s Scottish shadow cabinet over the weekend, citing the party’s “disaster” in the general election in Scotland, has written a lengthy, reflective analysis of what went wrong. | Labour MSP Neil Findlay, who resigned from Labour’s Scottish shadow cabinet over the weekend, citing the party’s “disaster” in the general election in Scotland, has written a lengthy, reflective analysis of what went wrong. |
| He, surprisingly, fixes some of the blame on the establishment of the Better Together campaign, which aligned Labour with the Tories - a party Labour had spent “the previous 30 years successfully demonising as the enemy of the Scottish people”. | He, surprisingly, fixes some of the blame on the establishment of the Better Together campaign, which aligned Labour with the Tories - a party Labour had spent “the previous 30 years successfully demonising as the enemy of the Scottish people”. |
| Saying we were Better Together meant bugger all to someone who was unemployed or in a low paid, zero hours contract. It meant nothing to communities hurting from the impact of austerity imposed upon them by the very Tories Labour campaigned alongside, and it meant nothing to young people who wanted a message of hope for the future. | Saying we were Better Together meant bugger all to someone who was unemployed or in a low paid, zero hours contract. It meant nothing to communities hurting from the impact of austerity imposed upon them by the very Tories Labour campaigned alongside, and it meant nothing to young people who wanted a message of hope for the future. |
| Findlay said Labour’s manifesto was actually more to the left than the SNP and, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the nationalists’ budget proposals would mean longer austerity. | Findlay said Labour’s manifesto was actually more to the left than the SNP and, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the nationalists’ budget proposals would mean longer austerity. |
| But none of this mattered – people had switched off and refused to listen to anything Labour said. We could have offered a free million pound note to everyone who voted Labour and still this would have been rejected. This is not the fault of the electorate, we can’t blame the SNP – it’s our fault, Labour’s fault. The people lacked faith in our sincerity. | But none of this mattered – people had switched off and refused to listen to anything Labour said. We could have offered a free million pound note to everyone who voted Labour and still this would have been rejected. This is not the fault of the electorate, we can’t blame the SNP – it’s our fault, Labour’s fault. The people lacked faith in our sincerity. |
| He finishes by calling for Labour to consider creating an “autonomous or federal structure” within the Labour party giving the Scottish party the ability to develop its own policies and select candidates along with a long list of other proposals. | He finishes by calling for Labour to consider creating an “autonomous or federal structure” within the Labour party giving the Scottish party the ability to develop its own policies and select candidates along with a long list of other proposals. |
| 2.49pm BST | |
| 14:49 | |
| Returning to Scotland, David Cameron has defended his decision to make a former adviser to Margaret Thatcher a lord so he can become a junior minister in the Scotland Office. | Returning to Scotland, David Cameron has defended his decision to make a former adviser to Margaret Thatcher a lord so he can become a junior minister in the Scotland Office. |
| The deputy first minister of Scotland, John Swinney, described as scandalous the appointment of Andrew Dunlop as undersecretary of state. in the department. | The deputy first minister of Scotland, John Swinney, described as scandalous the appointment of Andrew Dunlop as undersecretary of state. in the department. |
| Speaking as he visited Nicola Sturgeon for devolution talks in Edinburgh, the prime minister said he believed Dunlop had been involved in defence procurement when he worked for Thatcher. He said: | Speaking as he visited Nicola Sturgeon for devolution talks in Edinburgh, the prime minister said he believed Dunlop had been involved in defence procurement when he worked for Thatcher. He said: |
| What I’ve done is I’ve taken someone who is extremely talented, with a great record in public service, who will make an excellent minister in the Scottish Office. | What I’ve done is I’ve taken someone who is extremely talented, with a great record in public service, who will make an excellent minister in the Scottish Office. |
| I read some of this morning’s press with incredulity because my memory is he was responsible for defence procurement under the Margaret Thatcher government, but why let the facts get in the way of a great story? | I read some of this morning’s press with incredulity because my memory is he was responsible for defence procurement under the Margaret Thatcher government, but why let the facts get in the way of a great story? |
| 2.34pm BST | |
| 14:34 | |
| The inquest into Chuka Umunna’s shock withdrawal from the Labour party leadership contest continues. | The inquest into Chuka Umunna’s shock withdrawal from the Labour party leadership contest continues. |
| George Eaton, political editor of the New Statesman, writes that some in Labour suggest that the support of grandees such as Tony Blair and Peter Mandelson led him to feel he had an obligation to stand. | George Eaton, political editor of the New Statesman, writes that some in Labour suggest that the support of grandees such as Tony Blair and Peter Mandelson led him to feel he had an obligation to stand. |
| Eaton has spoken to Umunna’s aides, who insisted he not a “Heseltine-style figure” who resolved to become prime minister by a particular age but added “we’re not saying never ever”. | Eaton has spoken to Umunna’s aides, who insisted he not a “Heseltine-style figure” who resolved to become prime minister by a particular age but added “we’re not saying never ever”. |
| 2.19pm BST | |
| 14:19 | |
| Ben Bradshaw, the former culture secretary, gives his reaction to Chuka Umunna’s decision withdrawing from the Labour leadership race in this Guardian video. | Ben Bradshaw, the former culture secretary, gives his reaction to Chuka Umunna’s decision withdrawing from the Labour leadership race in this Guardian video. |
| 2.14pm BST | |
| 14:14 | |
| Paul Waugh, editor at Politics Home, has been looking at why Chuka Umunna withdrew from the Labour leadership race in this thorough analysis of his decision. | Paul Waugh, editor at Politics Home, has been looking at why Chuka Umunna withdrew from the Labour leadership race in this thorough analysis of his decision. |
| Waugh says he understands there’s no “big scandal looming in the weekend press” after speaking to a close source and it is the “intensity” of the media interest that has dissuaded Umunna from running. He writes: | Waugh says he understands there’s no “big scandal looming in the weekend press” after speaking to a close source and it is the “intensity” of the media interest that has dissuaded Umunna from running. He writes: |
| As a Shadow minister, Umunna was still used to a relatively relaxed private life. Constituents were surprised that he didn’t have a bodyguard or driver and just went about his business on the bus and tube. All that would change if he became leader. | As a Shadow minister, Umunna was still used to a relatively relaxed private life. Constituents were surprised that he didn’t have a bodyguard or driver and just went about his business on the bus and tube. All that would change if he became leader. |
| Umunna’s girlfriend Alice Sullivan accompanied him to the Marr Show last week, leading to a surge of media interest, Waugh writes. | Umunna’s girlfriend Alice Sullivan accompanied him to the Marr Show last week, leading to a surge of media interest, Waugh writes. |
| It’s also true that his girlfriend’s elderly grandmother was contacted by the media, though Umunna is not trying to turn his decision into a war with the press or a salutory tale of media ‘intrusion’. | It’s also true that his girlfriend’s elderly grandmother was contacted by the media, though Umunna is not trying to turn his decision into a war with the press or a salutory tale of media ‘intrusion’. |
| Umunna is definitely not running for London Mayor, Waugh adds, and plans to back one of the other contenders. | Umunna is definitely not running for London Mayor, Waugh adds, and plans to back one of the other contenders. |
| 1.47pm BST | |
| 13:47 | |
| Labour leader hopeful Creagh pays tribute to Umunna "courage" | Labour leader hopeful Creagh pays tribute to Umunna "courage" |
| Matthew Weaver | Matthew Weaver |
| Returning to the shock decision by Chuka Umunna to withdrawal from the Labour leadership race, my colleague Matthew Weaver reports that shadow international development secretary and leadership contender Mary Creagh has paid tribute to the “courage” of the shadow business secretary. He writes: | Returning to the shock decision by Chuka Umunna to withdrawal from the Labour leadership race, my colleague Matthew Weaver reports that shadow international development secretary and leadership contender Mary Creagh has paid tribute to the “courage” of the shadow business secretary. He writes: |
| Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s World at One programme she said: “I can only conclude that he has come to this decision after a lot of soul searching. It takes courage to stand for the leadership. It also takes a great deal of courage to withdraw from the leadership. He’s a big beast, he’s got a huge role to play both in the Labour party and in a future Labour government.” | Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s World at One programme she said: “I can only conclude that he has come to this decision after a lot of soul searching. It takes courage to stand for the leadership. It also takes a great deal of courage to withdraw from the leadership. He’s a big beast, he’s got a huge role to play both in the Labour party and in a future Labour government.” |
| She added: “Modern politicians with social media, Facebook and emails face pressures even 15 or 20 years ago they did not face ... We are expected to be some how superhuman.” | She added: “Modern politicians with social media, Facebook and emails face pressures even 15 or 20 years ago they did not face ... We are expected to be some how superhuman.” |
| Creagh, one of four declared contenders for the leadership, said: “One of the lessons of the last general election is that Westminster politicians tend to look and sound the same. I think it is really important for the Labour party that we chose a new leader who can reach out to large swaths of the country that think Labour no longer stands for them.” | Creagh, one of four declared contenders for the leadership, said: “One of the lessons of the last general election is that Westminster politicians tend to look and sound the same. I think it is really important for the Labour party that we chose a new leader who can reach out to large swaths of the country that think Labour no longer stands for them.” |
| Like several candidates and senior figures in the party Creagh blamed Labour’s defeat on a failure to attract “aspirational” voters. | Like several candidates and senior figures in the party Creagh blamed Labour’s defeat on a failure to attract “aspirational” voters. |
| “I think we lost the election because people did not trust us on the economy. People felt that Labour didn’t understand their aspiration to earn money and provide a better life for their family,” she said. | “I think we lost the election because people did not trust us on the economy. People felt that Labour didn’t understand their aspiration to earn money and provide a better life for their family,” she said. |
| She added: “I don’t think it was about [being] left wing. It was about our rhetoric and the package that we used.” | She added: “I don’t think it was about [being] left wing. It was about our rhetoric and the package that we used.” |
| Creagh was asked repeatedly whether Labour spent too much money in government. She refused to give a direct answer but said: “We have apologised for our failure to adequately regulate the banking sector. But it also clear that when the banking crisis hit, Alistair Darling and Gordon Brown, took the steps to avoid a banking crash and a global recession. Should we have run a small structural deficit prior to that? With hindsight probably not, but I don’t think the global financial crisis happened because we employed more teachers, nurses and doctors.” | Creagh was asked repeatedly whether Labour spent too much money in government. She refused to give a direct answer but said: “We have apologised for our failure to adequately regulate the banking sector. But it also clear that when the banking crisis hit, Alistair Darling and Gordon Brown, took the steps to avoid a banking crash and a global recession. Should we have run a small structural deficit prior to that? With hindsight probably not, but I don’t think the global financial crisis happened because we employed more teachers, nurses and doctors.” |
| 1.22pm BST | |
| 13:22 | |
| Scotland will have massive tax and spending powers - Cameron | Scotland will have massive tax and spending powers - Cameron |
| The prime minister has said Scotland will be free to “raise more taxes and spend more money” when new Scotland bill is passed. | The prime minister has said Scotland will be free to “raise more taxes and spend more money” when new Scotland bill is passed. |
| Following talks with SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, David Cameron said he was committed to implementing the Smith Commission proposals for Scottish devolution in full. | Following talks with SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, David Cameron said he was committed to implementing the Smith Commission proposals for Scottish devolution in full. |
| Speaking on Sky News, Cameron also dismissed reports that a second Scottish independence referendum is likely or being planned and denied he had “stoked nationalism” in the election campaign. | Speaking on Sky News, Cameron also dismissed reports that a second Scottish independence referendum is likely or being planned and denied he had “stoked nationalism” in the election campaign. |
| It (the bill) gives massive tax and spending powers to the Scottish parliament, so if Scotland wants to take a different path and for instance raise more taxes and spend more money it will be able to. | It (the bill) gives massive tax and spending powers to the Scottish parliament, so if Scotland wants to take a different path and for instance raise more taxes and spend more money it will be able to. |
| Asked about the prospect of a second referendum, the prime minister said: | Asked about the prospect of a second referendum, the prime minister said: |
| On the referendum question, it was very decisive, the Scottish people decided to stay in the United Kingdom. Alex Salmond said at the time it was a once in a generation - possibly once in a lifetime opportunity - I agree with that, so I don’t think as Nicola Sturgeon herself has said, this is not on the cards. | On the referendum question, it was very decisive, the Scottish people decided to stay in the United Kingdom. Alex Salmond said at the time it was a once in a generation - possibly once in a lifetime opportunity - I agree with that, so I don’t think as Nicola Sturgeon herself has said, this is not on the cards. |
| Cameron denied he had stoked nationalism during the campaign. He said: | Cameron denied he had stoked nationalism during the campaign. He said: |
| I certainly didn’t do that. I’ve always stood for the United Kingdom, for bringing our countries together. I simply pointed out the danger of having an alliance between one party the SNP who want to break up our country and another party Labour that I believe would bankrupt our party (sic) and that was a powerful and important message. | I certainly didn’t do that. I’ve always stood for the United Kingdom, for bringing our countries together. I simply pointed out the danger of having an alliance between one party the SNP who want to break up our country and another party Labour that I believe would bankrupt our party (sic) and that was a powerful and important message. |
| 1.04pm BST | |
| 13:04 | |
| A constructive meeting with @David_Cameron this morning. Discussed austerity, more powers and range of other issues. | A constructive meeting with @David_Cameron this morning. Discussed austerity, more powers and range of other issues. |
| 12.57pm BST | |
| 12:57 | |
| David Cameron and Nicola Sturgeon talks: a storyboard | David Cameron and Nicola Sturgeon talks: a storyboard |
| Cameron - surrounded by heavies - arrived at Bute House in Edinburgh around 10am after insisting he was committed to devolving powers to Scotland... | Cameron - surrounded by heavies - arrived at Bute House in Edinburgh around 10am after insisting he was committed to devolving powers to Scotland... |
| He was greeted on the steps by Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon with a customary handshake. She has warned it will no longer be “business as usual” with Westminster’s dealings with Scotland. | He was greeted on the steps by Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon with a customary handshake. She has warned it will no longer be “business as usual” with Westminster’s dealings with Scotland. |
| The SNP leader leans in as Cameron whispers something in her ear, perhaps “thanks for wiping out Scottish Labour” or something less loaded... | The SNP leader leans in as Cameron whispers something in her ear, perhaps “thanks for wiping out Scottish Labour” or something less loaded... |
| In they go, the pleasantries are over, the talks commence... | In they go, the pleasantries are over, the talks commence... |
| The leaders share a laugh before getting down to the nitty gritty... | The leaders share a laugh before getting down to the nitty gritty... |
| Cameron tells Sturgeon he will implement the proposals in the Smith Commission in full... | Cameron tells Sturgeon he will implement the proposals in the Smith Commission in full... |
| But Sturgeon wants more - she asks Cameron to consider devolving powers “over and above” the Smith Commission. | But Sturgeon wants more - she asks Cameron to consider devolving powers “over and above” the Smith Commission. |
| Cameron leaves alone, intact and looking relatively pleased. He agrees to at least consider some of the further powers demanded by the first minister. | Cameron leaves alone, intact and looking relatively pleased. He agrees to at least consider some of the further powers demanded by the first minister. |
| Both leaders describe the meeting as “constructive”. | Both leaders describe the meeting as “constructive”. |
| Updated | |
| at 1.01pm BST | |
| 12.41pm BST | |
| 12:41 | |
| For those of you who are new to the devolution talks in Scotland, I thought it would be useful to flag this Guardian guide to the key points in the Smith Commission, which was the body charged with formulating devolution commitments for Scotland. | For those of you who are new to the devolution talks in Scotland, I thought it would be useful to flag this Guardian guide to the key points in the Smith Commission, which was the body charged with formulating devolution commitments for Scotland. |
| 12.39pm BST | |
| 12:39 | |
| Nicola Sturgeon told Sky News there was no “high-fiving” with the prime minister over the demise of Scottish Labour. | Nicola Sturgeon told Sky News there was no “high-fiving” with the prime minister over the demise of Scottish Labour. |
| I can exclusively for Sky News reveal there was no high-fiving. | I can exclusively for Sky News reveal there was no high-fiving. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.45pm BST | |
| 12.34pm BST | |
| 12:34 | |
| Here’s a few tweets from journalists covering the devolution talks between Nicola Sturgeon and David Cameron in Edinburgh. | Here’s a few tweets from journalists covering the devolution talks between Nicola Sturgeon and David Cameron in Edinburgh. |
| Guardian’s Scotland correspondent Severin Carrell | Guardian’s Scotland correspondent Severin Carrell |
| On @theSNP source predicting #indyref2, @David_Cameron says prefers @AlexSalmond on the record 'once in lifetime' to his off the rec boasts | On @theSNP source predicting #indyref2, @David_Cameron says prefers @AlexSalmond on the record 'once in lifetime' to his off the rec boasts |
| BBC’s James Cook | BBC’s James Cook |
| Scottish government says David Cameron said he was open to considering proposals which would go further than the Smith Commission. | Scottish government says David Cameron said he was open to considering proposals which would go further than the Smith Commission. |
| Strategy director at Scottish Conservatives Eddie Barnes | Strategy director at Scottish Conservatives Eddie Barnes |
| David Cameron spells out his vision for UK: strongest possible Scottish Parliament as part of a strong solidarity union | David Cameron spells out his vision for UK: strongest possible Scottish Parliament as part of a strong solidarity union |
| BBC’s Nick Eardley | BBC’s Nick Eardley |
| Nicola Sturgeon says she hopes UK and Scottish governments can agree powers beyond those in the Smith Commission | Nicola Sturgeon says she hopes UK and Scottish governments can agree powers beyond those in the Smith Commission |
| Updated | |
| at 12.37pm BST | |
| 12.25pm BST | |
| 12:25 | |
| Severin Carrell | Severin Carrell |
| David Cameron has confirmed he will consider beefing up the new bill to give Scotland greater tax and welfare powers after Nicola Sturgeon complained the draft legislation failed to meet pledges made on extra welfare powers in the Smith commission. | David Cameron has confirmed he will consider beefing up the new bill to give Scotland greater tax and welfare powers after Nicola Sturgeon complained the draft legislation failed to meet pledges made on extra welfare powers in the Smith commission. |
| Speaking after his first post-election meeting with the first minister in Edinburgh on Friday morning the prime minister said he would “look again” at the welfare powers after putting the Smith commission bill in his first Queen’s speech later this month. | Speaking after his first post-election meeting with the first minister in Edinburgh on Friday morning the prime minister said he would “look again” at the welfare powers after putting the Smith commission bill in his first Queen’s speech later this month. |
| Scottish parties are annoyed the draft bill fails to implement the Smith agreement proposal for Holyrood to introduce its own benefits or top up existing benefits. | Scottish parties are annoyed the draft bill fails to implement the Smith agreement proposal for Holyrood to introduce its own benefits or top up existing benefits. |
| On Thursday, Holyrood’s devolution bill committee said the UK’s draft legislation failed to live up to the “the spirit or substance” of Smith. | On Thursday, Holyrood’s devolution bill committee said the UK’s draft legislation failed to live up to the “the spirit or substance” of Smith. |
| Cameron added that he could add extra powers going beyond Smith, which allows Scotland nearly full control over income tax, air passenger duty and housing benefit. | Cameron added that he could add extra powers going beyond Smith, which allows Scotland nearly full control over income tax, air passenger duty and housing benefit. |
| “I don’t rule out making sensible changes if sensible changes can be made,” he said, and promised to hold regular meetings with Sturgeon. | “I don’t rule out making sensible changes if sensible changes can be made,” he said, and promised to hold regular meetings with Sturgeon. |
| Asked about claims by a senior SNP source, disclosed by the Guardian, that the Scottish government could defy Cameron’s refusal to allow a second independence referendum, by staging an unofficial vote without legal approval, Cameron suggested that source was Alex Salmond, the former SNP leader. | Asked about claims by a senior SNP source, disclosed by the Guardian, that the Scottish government could defy Cameron’s refusal to allow a second independence referendum, by staging an unofficial vote without legal approval, Cameron suggested that source was Alex Salmond, the former SNP leader. |
| “I tend to take at face value what Alex Salmond says on the record rather than off the record. On the record he said it was a once in a generation, potentially once in a lifetime opportunity, and I’m sticking with that,” the prime minister said. | “I tend to take at face value what Alex Salmond says on the record rather than off the record. On the record he said it was a once in a generation, potentially once in a lifetime opportunity, and I’m sticking with that,” the prime minister said. |
| 12.23pm BST | |
| 12:23 | |
| Sturgeon: Cameron must prove Westminster listens to Scotland | Sturgeon: Cameron must prove Westminster listens to Scotland |
| Jamie Grierson | Jamie Grierson |
| Nicola Sturgeon says the prime minister has agreed to consider proposals for Scottish devolution “over and above” the Smith Commission recommendations. | Nicola Sturgeon says the prime minister has agreed to consider proposals for Scottish devolution “over and above” the Smith Commission recommendations. |
| Speaking after talks with David Cameron at her residence in Bute House, Edinburgh, the SNP leader and first minister of Scotland said the meeting was “constructive” and “business like”. | Speaking after talks with David Cameron at her residence in Bute House, Edinburgh, the SNP leader and first minister of Scotland said the meeting was “constructive” and “business like”. |
| In an interview with Sky News, she said Cameron had committed to implementing the proposals of the Smith Commission in full and agreed to consider further devolution of powers on matters including business taxes and welfare. She told the broadcaster: | In an interview with Sky News, she said Cameron had committed to implementing the proposals of the Smith Commission in full and agreed to consider further devolution of powers on matters including business taxes and welfare. She told the broadcaster: |
| Two things of significance were agreed in the meeting. First, there was a commitment from the prime minister that the legislation they will shortly introduce to the Westminster parliament to implement the proposals of the Smith Commission will implement those proposals in full. We had a report from the Scottish Parliament Committee that said where we are thus far doesn’t fulfil the Smith commission proposals so there’s a commitment to do that and we’ll work with them to make sure that happens. | Two things of significance were agreed in the meeting. First, there was a commitment from the prime minister that the legislation they will shortly introduce to the Westminster parliament to implement the proposals of the Smith Commission will implement those proposals in full. We had a report from the Scottish Parliament Committee that said where we are thus far doesn’t fulfil the Smith commission proposals so there’s a commitment to do that and we’ll work with them to make sure that happens. |
| Secondly, we will put forward proposals for devolution further than the Commission proposals. Prime minister says they will consider those proposals, I’m not going to put words into his mouth and say he’s agreed any specific proposals. | Secondly, we will put forward proposals for devolution further than the Commission proposals. Prime minister says they will consider those proposals, I’m not going to put words into his mouth and say he’s agreed any specific proposals. |
| Asked what those further proposals involved, Sturgeon said: | Asked what those further proposals involved, Sturgeon said: |
| I want to take Scotland to full fiscal autonomy, David Cameron doesn’t. What we said in our manifesto was there were priority powers over and above the Smith Commission we wanted to see devolved so what we’re talking about are business taxes, employment legislation, the minimum wage and more powers over welfare. | I want to take Scotland to full fiscal autonomy, David Cameron doesn’t. What we said in our manifesto was there were priority powers over and above the Smith Commission we wanted to see devolved so what we’re talking about are business taxes, employment legislation, the minimum wage and more powers over welfare. |
| 12.09pm BST | |
| 12:09 | |
| An important meeting with @NicolaSturgeon on delivering our commitment to more powers for Scotland. pic.twitter.com/x3CR2d7lQN | An important meeting with @NicolaSturgeon on delivering our commitment to more powers for Scotland. pic.twitter.com/x3CR2d7lQN |
| 12.08pm BST | |
| 12:08 | |
| Cameron: UK government will rethink devolution bill | Cameron: UK government will rethink devolution bill |
| The prime minister and first minister of Scotland have concluded devolution talks in Edinburgh. My colleague Severin Carrell reports that David Cameron will “rethink” devolution bill proposals to boost welfare plans after his discussions with Nicola Sturgeon. | The prime minister and first minister of Scotland have concluded devolution talks in Edinburgh. My colleague Severin Carrell reports that David Cameron will “rethink” devolution bill proposals to boost welfare plans after his discussions with Nicola Sturgeon. |
| .@David_Cameron confirms UK govt will rethink #Smith devolution bill to beef up welfare plans; offers talks on extras with @NicolaSturgeon | .@David_Cameron confirms UK govt will rethink #Smith devolution bill to beef up welfare plans; offers talks on extras with @NicolaSturgeon |
| 12.01pm BST | |
| 12:01 | |
| Matthew Weaver | Matthew Weaver |
| My colleague Matthew Weaver has this story on Labour activists already calling for Keir Starmer to run for leader in the wake of Chuka Umunna’s decision to step down. | My colleague Matthew Weaver has this story on Labour activists already calling for Keir Starmer to run for leader in the wake of Chuka Umunna’s decision to step down. |
| He writes: | He writes: |
| An online campaign has been launched to try to persuade the former director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer to stand for the leadership of the Labour party, only a week after he became an MP. | An online campaign has been launched to try to persuade the former director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer to stand for the leadership of the Labour party, only a week after he became an MP. |
| Starmer, who was elected to the former health secretary Frank Dobson’s old seat of Holborn and St Pancras, on an increased Labour majority, had been tipped as a potential leader of the party. | Starmer, who was elected to the former health secretary Frank Dobson’s old seat of Holborn and St Pancras, on an increased Labour majority, had been tipped as a potential leader of the party. |
| Disappointment at the current leadership contenders has prompted a group of Labour activists to urge Starmer to stand. On Thursday night, they set up a Facebook page called Sir Keir Starmer QC KCB for Labour leader, which has already attracted more than 199 members. | Disappointment at the current leadership contenders has prompted a group of Labour activists to urge Starmer to stand. On Thursday night, they set up a Facebook page called Sir Keir Starmer QC KCB for Labour leader, which has already attracted more than 199 members. |
| 11.58am BST | |
| 11:58 | |
| Chuka Umunna withdraws leadership bid - analysis | Chuka Umunna withdraws leadership bid - analysis |
| Chuka Umunna was the bookies’ early favourite and his decision to step back from the Labour leadership bid has shocked Westminster. | Chuka Umunna was the bookies’ early favourite and his decision to step back from the Labour leadership bid has shocked Westminster. |
| Why the hell has Chuka withdrawn from the Labour leadership race?! | Why the hell has Chuka withdrawn from the Labour leadership race?! |
| The shadow business secretary said he had been planning to launch his bid in the event of a Labour defeat - but since 7 May has been “subject to the added level of pressure that comes with being a leadership candidate”. | The shadow business secretary said he had been planning to launch his bid in the event of a Labour defeat - but since 7 May has been “subject to the added level of pressure that comes with being a leadership candidate”. |
| I have not found it to be a comfortable experience. | I have not found it to be a comfortable experience. |
| Umunna also suggests that he may have been rushed into launching his bid as he admits it was “all too soon” for him. | Umunna also suggests that he may have been rushed into launching his bid as he admits it was “all too soon” for him. |
| I know this will come as I surprise to many but I had always wondered whether it was all too soon for me to launch this leadership bid - I fear it was. | I know this will come as I surprise to many but I had always wondered whether it was all too soon for me to launch this leadership bid - I fear it was. |
| Some have questioned whether Labour peer Peter Mandelson, who publicly backed Umunna as a future leader, may have been one of those exerting pressure on the relatively young politician to step up. | Some have questioned whether Labour peer Peter Mandelson, who publicly backed Umunna as a future leader, may have been one of those exerting pressure on the relatively young politician to step up. |
| The key phrase in Chuka statement: "I had always wondered whether it was all too soon for me"; ie, others wanted to thrust greatness on him. | The key phrase in Chuka statement: "I had always wondered whether it was all too soon for me"; ie, others wanted to thrust greatness on him. |
| But then Umunna expands on the impact increased scrutiny has already had on his life. | But then Umunna expands on the impact increased scrutiny has already had on his life. |
| Most importantly, I continued to have very real concerns and worry about this bid’s impact on those close to me. | Most importantly, I continued to have very real concerns and worry about this bid’s impact on those close to me. |
| This triggered a tidal Twitter wave of speculation over whether the papers had approached the potential leader with a negative story about his private life. | This triggered a tidal Twitter wave of speculation over whether the papers had approached the potential leader with a negative story about his private life. |
| Chuka doesn't like the pressure and scrutiny. Hmm. I wonder what'll be in the Sunday papers? | Chuka doesn't like the pressure and scrutiny. Hmm. I wonder what'll be in the Sunday papers? |
| However, there are mixed reports over possible press coverage. Sources have told the Press Association there were no stories on the horizon that triggered his departure. Other reporters have suggested a Sunday paper had something in store. | However, there are mixed reports over possible press coverage. Sources have told the Press Association there were no stories on the horizon that triggered his departure. Other reporters have suggested a Sunday paper had something in store. |
| But there are also suggestions that Umunna’s family and the family of his girlfriend were doorstepped by reporters. | But there are also suggestions that Umunna’s family and the family of his girlfriend were doorstepped by reporters. |
| Umunna was upset the press doorstepped not just his mother, but his girlfriend's parents and even her 102-year old grandmother | Umunna was upset the press doorstepped not just his mother, but his girlfriend's parents and even her 102-year old grandmother |
| What next for Umunna? Well some have suggested he may run for London mayor - although this would seem like a strange choice given the strong Labour contenders - Tessa Jowell and Sadiq Khan who have put themselves forward. | What next for Umunna? Well some have suggested he may run for London mayor - although this would seem like a strange choice given the strong Labour contenders - Tessa Jowell and Sadiq Khan who have put themselves forward. |
| In his statement, he says he hopes to remain as a member of the shadow cabinet, adding | In his statement, he says he hopes to remain as a member of the shadow cabinet, adding |
| I also hope to play a leading role in Labour’s campaign to keep the UK in the EU. | I also hope to play a leading role in Labour’s campaign to keep the UK in the EU. |
| Liz Kendall, Yvette Cooper, Andy Burnham and Mary Creagh remain in the race. Tristram Hunt is expected to step up in the next few days and Umunna’s withdrawal from the race has already triggered calls from Labour activists for first-time MP and former chief prosecutor Keir Starmer to throw his hat in the ring. But for many within the party this will be a great disappointment. | Liz Kendall, Yvette Cooper, Andy Burnham and Mary Creagh remain in the race. Tristram Hunt is expected to step up in the next few days and Umunna’s withdrawal from the race has already triggered calls from Labour activists for first-time MP and former chief prosecutor Keir Starmer to throw his hat in the ring. But for many within the party this will be a great disappointment. |
| 11.28am BST | |
| 11:28 | |
| Others are speculating Chuka Umunna might follow his shock decision to withdraw from the Labour leadership contest to put himself forward as a London mayor candidate. | Others are speculating Chuka Umunna might follow his shock decision to withdraw from the Labour leadership contest to put himself forward as a London mayor candidate. |
| Here’s deputy web editor at the New Statesman Anoosh Chakelian | Here’s deputy web editor at the New Statesman Anoosh Chakelian |
| Chuka for London mayor? He's pulled out of the leadership contest. Heard whispers that he is interested in the mayoralty... | Chuka for London mayor? He's pulled out of the leadership contest. Heard whispers that he is interested in the mayoralty... |
| Executive editor of Conservative Home Mark Wallace | Executive editor of Conservative Home Mark Wallace |
| Plus if Chuka does run for the mayoralty against Sadiq it will provide the press with endless Chuka/Khan headlines. | Plus if Chuka does run for the mayoralty against Sadiq it will provide the press with endless Chuka/Khan headlines. |
| RSA’s Anthony Painter | RSA’s Anthony Painter |
| Why would standing for Mayor of London attract any less scrutiny than running for Labour leader? Chuka won't be running for London mayor. | Why would standing for Mayor of London attract any less scrutiny than running for Labour leader? Chuka won't be running for London mayor. |
| And politcal blogger Harry Cole | And politcal blogger Harry Cole |
| How could it play out? Realises he's out of leadership race. Bails on wave of lamentation. Gives some sympathetic interviews. Chuka4Mayor. | How could it play out? Realises he's out of leadership race. Bails on wave of lamentation. Gives some sympathetic interviews. Chuka4Mayor. |