Lammy tells Tory deputy chair to apologise for joking on TV about arson attack on Starmer’s home – UK politics live

David Lammy has called on Conservative deputy chair Matt Vickers to apologize for a joke made on television about an arson attack on Keir Starmer's home. Lammy stated that Vickers was "promoting conspiracies" with his remarks. A Conservative spokesperson defended Vickers, claiming he was "trying to be polite."

Separately, Andy Burnham may face difficulty contacting Keir Starmer after the Makerfield byelection, as Burnham reportedly wishes to speak with Starmer this weekend to discuss a timetable for his departure. However, Starmer indicated in a Sky News interview that he would speak with Burnham "after the weekend."

Further reports from The Times suggest a breakdown in the relationship between Keir Starmer and Ed Miliband, with Miliband accused of "ghosting" the prime minister. Senior government sources claimed Miliband declined to take calls from the prime minister during a dispute over defence spending.