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

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.

Bookmakers are giving odds on her successor as she faces intense pressure to resign

Rayner’s departure is deeply damaging to prime minister who had initially stood by her

She describes serving at the highest level of government as ‘the honour of my life’