Sunak allows Labour to meet civil servants to prepare for possible election victory

So-called access talks' happen before every general election but mark significant change in access for opposition party

Rishi Sunak has given permission for Labour shadow ministers to start talks with civil servants about how they would run a government should they win the election later this year - a routine but nonetheless symbolic process before a possible handover of power.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: In line with the longstanding process set out in the cabinet manual, the prime minister has authorised access talks between the official opposition and civil service."