World Athletics Championships: London’s 2029 bid gets Starmer backing

• UK government will give 35m to help push for event

• Previous successes leave city in strong position for bid

London is in prime position to stage the 2029 World Athletics Championships after finally securing a substantial government funding commitment for the bid.

It is understood that the UK government has agreed to give 35m to help bid for the championships, which would be the first to be staged in London since 2017, with the mayor's office expected to commit around 10m.