Starmer faces backlash over sacking of Angela Rayner after election losses

Senior figures such as Andy Burnham are backing the deputy leader who is believed to be furious over treatment

Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour party was plunged into crisis on Sunday as a plan to demote his deputy, Angela Rayner, was derailed by a backlash from her supporters, leading to a prolonged standoff between the pair.

Rayner was locked in negotiations with Starmer's team for hours on Sunday after leaked plans to sack her as party chair and national campaigns coordinator triggered an outcry.