Annual accounts reveal a £2.8m shortfall in the donations reported by the party in its first year

The former PM has come out fighting against politicians who condemned his essay, questioning claims that inequality was fuelling populism and promoting AI’s benefits

Robert Kenyon, who is standing against Andy Burnham, suggested on social media that women falsely claim rape to terminate pregnancies and has links to far-right figures

A backbench amendment would require MPs to list substantial perks they received in the year before the 2024 ballot

The Reform leader backtracked on his explanation for an undeclared gift by crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, saying it was a Brexit ‘reward’

Parties can bypass spending limits by campaigning on national rather than local issues – something Nigel Farage’s party has exploited to great effect

Wes Streeting, the health secretary, announces he's resigning from government in an attempt to force Sir Keir Starmer out of Downing Street. Has the Labour leadership contest officially started? What can we learn from US Donald Trump's summit with China's Xi Jinping? And why are young people facing a significant retirement crisis?   Giles Whittell is joined by The Observer's Stephen Armstrong, Cat Neilan and Caitlin Macdonald as they battle it out and pitch the top stories of the day.    **We want to hear what you think! Email us at: newsmeeting@observer.co.uk  Follow us on Social Media:  @ObserverUK on X  @theobserveruk on Instagram and TikTok @theobserveruk.bsky.social‬ on bluesky    Host: Giles Whittell   Producer: Amalie Sortland   Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett   To find out more about The Observer:   Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Head to our website observer.co.uk  Download the Observer app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

The parliamentary standards watchdog and Electoral Commission are considering inquiries into the donation, raising the possibility of a suspension that could lead to a byelection

Unconvinced by the PM’s speech, rebel MP Catherine West says she wants a leadership contest to begin “soon” with a new leader in place by September

The PM hopes a reset speech can shore up his waining support, but senior Labour figures are already jockeying for position

The party faces a backlash after buying front-page adverts that exploit a loophole in local election spending rules

The Reform leader faces two possible investigations over the undeclared gift from Christopher Harborne. A lengthy Commons suspension could lead to a recall petition – and end up costing him his Clacton seat

The party picked up seats at the expense of Labour and the Tories, but its HQ has been dogged by security, recruitment and image problems

The claimed reason for Christopher Harborne’s unprecedented and undeclared donation to the Reform leader is facing scrutiny

Cash given to Reform UK MP during his failed campaign to become Tory leader called into question by Electoral Commission investigation

But Morgan McSweeney’s testimony has convinced no one. The former aide did not dispel the notion that the PM made the final decision

It’s been another dire week in Westminster but allies say the prime minister is unlikely to set a timetable for his departure

Keir Starmer finds himself in hot water once again over the appointment of Peter Mandelson. How much danger is he in?   

Legislation is to be brought forward as anger grows that disgraced members of the Lords continue to enjoy their status

Sacked permanent secretary claims PM’s office interceded, but voters may feel Starmer is mainly to blame