Burnham holds secret hour-long meeting with Starmer – what we know

Sir Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham met for the first time since Mr Burnham's by-election victory in Makerfield, marking their first discussion since before the contest.

The outgoing prime minister has agreed that prospective leadership candidates, including Mr Burnham, will receive government briefings to facilitate their preparation for power.

Starmer informed his Cabinet of his commitment to an 'orderly transition' for his replacement, aiming to make the process as smooth as possible.

Despite his resignation, Sir Keir is scheduled to publish a defence plan, which David Lammy indicated would deliver an unprecedented increase in defence spending.

The proposed defence plan has prompted the resignations of defence secretary John Healey and former armed forces minister Al Carns, with Mr Healey criticising the Treasury's resource allocation.