From the outset her role has been crucial, and her fall will exacerbate all the doubts about the PM and his ability to keep Labour in power, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland

The Deputy Prime Minister is among the bookies' favourites to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Labour's approval ratings continue to slump under his leadership.

The PM’s deputy is a vital shield against Labour’s Left and losing her would open up a whole chamber of horrors

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to carry out a wide reshuffle of his top team after Ms Rayner, 45, quit as deputy prime minister and housing secretary.

Politics is about to get much tougher for Keir Starmer.

From the outset her role has been crucial, and her fall will exacerbate all the doubts about the PM and his ability to keep Labour in power, says Guardian columnist Jonathan…

The deputy prime minister’s resignation closes one chapter with dignity. But the contest to replace her threatens to reopen Labour’s old divisions

Deputy leadership race likely to coincide with turbulent autumn, as doubts intensify over Starmer’s job security

Starmer brings forward cabinet reshuffle to restore order but fallout likely to further damage party’s reputation