skynewspolitics--2020-04-16--'This will take time': Life won't go back to normal when lockdown eased - Hancock

Life in the UK will not go straight back to normal when coronavirus lockdown measures are eased , the health secretary has said .
Matt Hancock warned it will `` take time '' for the enforced social distancing measures to be fully phased out .
He suggested the government will later announce an extension to the three-week emergency `` stay-at-home '' rules in a bid to suppress the COVID-19 outbreak , which has already seen at least 12,868 people die .
Cabinet ministers were briefed on the latest scientific and medical advice via video conference , before a special meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as COBRA this afternoon - chaired by stand-in prime minister Dominic Raab .
The foreign secretary , who is deputising for Boris Johnson while he recovers from coronavirus in the countryside retreat of Chequers , is expected to announce the lockdown extension at this afternoon 's daily news conference .
Questions of when the lockdown might end were raised by a health minister , Nadine Dorries , on Wednesday night .
She tweeted : `` There is only one way we can 'exit ' full lockdown and that is when we have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find ways we can adapt society and strike a balance between the health of the nation and our economy . ''
Responding to the comment , Mr Hancock told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` The key word in that is full - she was being quite precise , I think .
`` It is too early to say now that we should remove the measures .
`` People can see that while we may be reaching a peak the numbers are n't coming down yet .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be returning to some , just straight back to how things were before .
This will take time . ''
Professor Neil Ferguson - of Imperial College London , which is advising the government on its coronavirus response - echoed the warning .
`` We will have to maintain some form of social distancing , a significant level of social distancing , probably indefinitely until we have a vaccine available , '' he told BBC Radio 4 .
He suggested that like Brexit the government could set up a specific department to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Hancock also said 15 % of care homes in England have seen an outbreak of coronavirus , after Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed 40 % have there .
The government has promised that everyone in care homes who needs a COVID-19 test will get one , after the NHS Confederation chief executive said fatalities were going `` under the radar '' because daily figures only count hospital patient deaths .
Mr Hancock said 10,000 care home residents have been tested and 4,000 workers in them have been referred for tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of unused tests over the Easter weekend was fewer people than expected turned up at the new drive-through test centres .
The latest figures from the UK Department of Health showed 11,170 people were tested in a day - despite it saying on 18 March that within four weeks tests would increase to 25,000 a day .
Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has said he will support a lockdown extension but is calling on the government to publish its exit strategy to ensure `` transparency '' and maintain public confidence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ so like countries including Germany and Italy , Mr Hancock said yesterday : `` Different countries are in different stages in this epidemic .
`` And one of the things that I think we have learnt during this crisis is that the clarity of the guidance to the public is incredibly important and hence we repeat it . ''
Jon Ashworth , the shadow health secretary , said the public needs `` greater clarity '' on the exit strategy soon as a vaccine could take up to 18 months .
`` If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of normality then you need to combine it with a proper testing and tracing strategy , '' he told Sky News .

Life in the UK will not go straight back to normal when coronavirus lockdown measures are eased, the health secretary has said.
Matt Hancock warned it will "take time" for the enforced social distancing measures to be fully phased out.
He suggested the government will later announce an extension to the three-week emergency "stay-at-home" rules in a bid to suppress the COVID-19 outbreak, which has already seen at least 12,868 people die.
Image: The initial lockdown was set to last three weeks
Cabinet ministers were briefed on the latest scientific and medical advice via video conference, before a special meeting of the government's emergency committee known as COBRA this afternoon - chaired by stand-in prime minister Dominic Raab.
The foreign secretary, who is deputising for Boris Johnson while he recovers from coronavirus in the countryside retreat of Chequers, is expected to announce the lockdown extension at this afternoon's daily news conference.
Image: Dominic Raab is deputising for the PM while he recovers from COVID-19
Questions of when the lockdown might end were raised by a health minister, Nadine Dorries, on Wednesday night.
She tweeted: "There is only one way we can 'exit' full lockdown and that is when we have a vaccine. Until then, we need to find ways we can adapt society and strike a balance between the health of the nation and our economy."
Responding to the comment, Mr Hancock told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast: "The key word in that is full - she was being quite precise, I think.
"It is too early to say now that we should remove the measures.
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Image: People have been urged to stay at home to stop coronavirus spreading
"People can see that while we may be reaching a peak the numbers aren't coming down yet.
"The point Nadine was making is we will not be returning to some, just straight back to how things were before. This will take time."
Professor Neil Ferguson - of Imperial College London, which is advising the government on its coronavirus response - echoed the warning.
"We will have to maintain some form of social distancing, a significant level of social distancing, probably indefinitely until we have a vaccine available," he told BBC Radio 4.
He suggested that like Brexit the government could set up a specific department to deal with the "national emergency".
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Downing Street dismissed the idea, the prime minister's spokesman telling journalists "the entire focus of government is on the response to the coronavirus".
He also confirmed a formal review will be launched into why people from a black and minority ethnic background appear to be disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 'Things will be better', says inspirational veteran
Mr Hancock also said 15% of care homes in England have seen an outbreak of coronavirus, after Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed 40% have there.
The government has promised that everyone in care homes who needs a COVID-19 test will get one, after the NHS Confederation chief executive said fatalities were going "under the radar" because daily figures only count hospital patient deaths.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Care worker: 'We lose someone every shift'
Mr Hancock said 10,000 care home residents have been tested and 4,000 workers in them have been referred for tests.
He added the reason there were thousands of unused tests over the Easter weekend was fewer people than expected turned up at the new drive-through test centres.
Image: Prof Neil Ferguson said measures will probably continue 'until we have a vaccine'
The latest figures from the UK Department of Health showed 11,170 people were tested in a day - despite it saying on 18 March that within four weeks tests would increase to 25,000 a day.
Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has said he will support a lockdown extension but is calling on the government to publish its exit strategy to ensure "transparency" and maintain public confidence.
Image: More than 12,000 coronavirus patients have died in UK hospitals
Asked why the UK was not doing so like countries including Germany and Italy, Mr Hancock said yesterday: "Different countries are in different stages in this epidemic.
"And one of the things that I think we have learnt during this crisis is that the clarity of the guidance to the public is incredibly important and hence we repeat it."
Jon Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, said the public needs "greater clarity" on the exit strategy soon as a vaccine could take up to 18 months.
"If you want to return to some greater degree of normality then you need to combine it with a proper testing and tracing strategy," he told Sky News.


skynewspolitics--2020-04-16--Health minister: No 'exit' to full lockdown until there's a vaccine

The government is expected to announce an extension of the UK 's coronavirus restrictions later today , as health minister Nadine Dorries suggested `` full lockdown '' would be required until a vaccine for COVID-19 is found .
The current measures have been in place for more than three weeks , and this morning the cabinet will receive a briefing on the latest scientific and medical advice via video conference , before a COBRA meeting chaired by First Secretary of State Dominic Raab .
Mr Raab , who is deputising for the Prime Minister as he continues his recovery from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reasoning behind the government 's decision at the daily briefing from Downing Street .
However , Health minister Nadine Dorries last night posted on Twitter criticising those asking questions about the issue .
`` Journalists should stop asking about an 'exit strategy ' , '' she wrote .
`` There is only one way we can 'exit ' full lockdown and that is when we have a vaccine .
Until then , we need to find ways we can adapt society and strike a balance between the health of the nation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her comments Ms Dorries , who has herself recovered from coronavirus , attempted to clarify them saying : `` I said society needs to adapt .
It would be more helpful to talk about 'relaxing lockdown ' than constantly demanding an 'exit strategy ' .
`` My point being , some of you guys need to start asking more intelligent questions . ''
On Wednesday England 's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said that while the UK is `` probably '' reaching the peak of the outbreak it is not yet `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increases in the daily death toll were expected this week .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` We can not let up in our efforts .
We can not let go of the hard work that 's been done so far .
This shared sacrifice is starting to work but we will not lift these measures until it is safe to do so '' .
But asked why the government had refused to discuss its `` exit strategy '' , as other European countries such as Germany and Italy have done , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in different stages in this epidemic , and one of the things that I think we have learnt during this crisis is that the clarity of the guidance to the public is incredibly important and hence we repeat it . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It echoed a comment made by Dominic Raab at Monday 's Downing Street briefing in which he said it was too early to lift restrictions and that there was a need `` keep our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift public focus from the government 's core advice to stay at home .
The Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said he would support an extension of the current social distancing measures and business closures , but argues the government must publish its strategy for lifting the restrictions to ensure `` transparency '' and maintain public confidence .
Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said it could take more than a week for advisers to be able to provide clear guidance to ministers on what restrictions could be safely lifted .
Prof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an understanding of where [ the transmission rate ] is , which will happen as we go over the next ten days or so , the more easy it is for us to judge exactly how we can go through to the next phase in a way that is properly evidence-based . ''
While the emergency regulations passed by parliament require a review of restrictions every three weeks , it is understood the government are likely to refrain from putting a specific time frame on the announcement that lockdown measures will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be kept under active review .
Although the devolved administrations in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland have the powers to choose different measures , so far the whole of the UK has acted in the same way .

The government is expected to announce an extension of the UK's coronavirus restrictions later today, as health minister Nadine Dorries suggested "full lockdown" would be required until a vaccine for COVID-19 is found.
The current measures have been in place for more than three weeks, and this morning the cabinet will receive a briefing on the latest scientific and medical advice via video conference, before a COBRA meeting chaired by First Secretary of State Dominic Raab.
Mr Raab, who is deputising for the Prime Minister as he continues his recovery from COVID-19, is expected to set out the reasoning behind the government's decision at the daily briefing from Downing Street.
However, Health minister Nadine Dorries last night posted on Twitter criticising those asking questions about the issue.
"Journalists should stop asking about an 'exit strategy'," she wrote.
"There is only one way we can 'exit' full lockdown and that is when we have a vaccine. Until then, we need to find ways we can adapt society and strike a balance between the health of the nation and our economy."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
When challenged over her comments Ms Dorries, who has herself recovered from coronavirus, attempted to clarify them saying: "I said society needs to adapt. It would be more helpful to talk about 'relaxing lockdown' than constantly demanding an 'exit strategy'.
"My point being, some of you guys need to start asking more intelligent questions."
On Wednesday England's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said that while the UK is "probably" reaching the peak of the outbreak it is not yet "past the peak", and warned increases in the daily death toll were expected this week.
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Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "We cannot let up in our efforts. We cannot let go of the hard work that's been done so far. This shared sacrifice is starting to work but we will not lift these measures until it is safe to do so".
But asked why the government had refused to discuss its "exit strategy", as other European countries such as Germany and Italy have done, Mr Hancock said: "Different countries are in different stages in this epidemic, and one of the things that I think we have learnt during this crisis is that the clarity of the guidance to the public is incredibly important and hence we repeat it."
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It echoed a comment made by Dominic Raab at Monday's Downing Street briefing in which he said it was too early to lift restrictions and that there was a need "keep our eye on the ball" and not shift public focus from the government's core advice to stay at home.
The Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said he would support an extension of the current social distancing measures and business closures, but argues the government must publish its strategy for lifting the restrictions to ensure "transparency" and maintain public confidence.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said it could take more than a week for advisers to be able to provide clear guidance to ministers on what restrictions could be safely lifted.
Prof witty said: "The more we have an understanding of where [the transmission rate] is, which will happen as we go over the next ten days or so, the more easy it is for us to judge exactly how we can go through to the next phase in a way that is properly evidence-based."
While the emergency regulations passed by parliament require a review of restrictions every three weeks, it is understood the government are likely to refrain from putting a specific time frame on the announcement that lockdown measures will be extended and instead will insist all restrictions will be kept under active review.
Although the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have the powers to choose different measures, so far the whole of the UK has acted in the same way.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-07--Corbyn loyalist running for top job denies being a continuity candidate

Labour leadership contender Rebecca Long-Bailey has declared she is `` nobody 's continuity candidate '' as she launches her bid for the party 's top job .
The shadow business secretary is one of six MPs vying to replace Jeremy Corbyn , who is standing down in the wake of the party 's December general election defeat .
Ms Long-Bailey has faced criticism from opponents who claim she would simply represent a continuation of Mr Corbyn 's leadership .
Former minister Jack Straw told Sky 's Kay Burley @ Breakfast that Labour needs a Corbyn loyalist as leader `` like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And former deputy leader Tom Watson said on Monday that Ms Long-Bailey `` stands for Corbynism in its purest sense '' .
But in an interview with Sky News , the MP for Salford and Eccles sought to dismiss such criticism .
`` I 'm nobody 's continuity candidate , that 's for sure , '' Ms Long-Bailey said .
`` I 'm not driven by my own personal ambition , I 'm driven by my principles and my willingness and wanting to develop our policies so we can transform our country and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's what I 'll be setting out throughout the course of my campaign . ''
Ms Long-Bailey fired the starting gun on her leadership bid in an article for the left-wing Tribune website , in which she declared herself a `` proud socialist '' .
Speaking to Sky News , she said the party `` have to recognise '' the reasons behind its election defeat , citing a number of factors .
She said : `` We were n't trusted on Brexit , we were n't trusted on our ability to tackle antisemitism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fantastic policy platform , one of the greatest manifesto offerings we 've ever had , we were n't trusted to be able to deliver that . ''
Ms Long-Bailey added that the party `` did n't have a coherent narrative and a strategy to prove to people that we were economically credible and that we could deliver on our ambitious policies '' .
But in a sign of the balancing act she is seeking to play in the leadership race , Ms Long-Bailey mentioned her time in Mr Corbyn 's top team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 've spent the last four years immersed in the policies , developing many of the policies myself with my team , '' she said .
`` So I know how important they are and how deliverable they are . ''
On the question of Mr Corbyn 's leadership , Ms Long-Bailey said he faced `` an unprecedented level of attacks against his character and his history within parliament '' .
She continued : `` I was proud to support him , I thought he was one of the most honest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had fantastic ideas for the future .
`` But unfortunately , his character was attacked , and that did affect confidence on the ground when we were speaking to people .
`` A new leader , whether that 's myself or one of the other candidates , needs to recognise that they have to have that robust standing within our communities . ''
Ms Long-Bailey joins shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer , backbenchers Jess Phillips and Lisa Nandy , shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry and shadow Treasury minister Clive Lewis in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ballot paper , Ms Long-Bailey and the other candidates need the nominations of at least 22 Labour MPs by next Monday - when nominations close - and later at least 5 % of all constituency parties and at least two trade unions .
Early polling suggests Sir Keir is the frontrunner , but a lengthy campaign awaits the candidates .
Voting begins on 21 February and runs until 2 April .
The winner will be announced at a special conference on 4 April .
The race to be Labour 's next deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a former shadow minister for sport and MP for the London seat of Tooting , is the latest to join the race to succeed Mr Watson .
She told Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` I 'm the embodiment of what can happen when a Labour government believes in you .
`` I want to fight tirelessly to rebuild our party , so that the door does n't close on a whole generation 's future . ''
The other candidates are Angela Rayner , Ian Murray , Richard Burgon , Dawn Butler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbyn has conducted a mini-reshuffle of his shadow cabinet .
Tracey Brabin replaces Mr Watson as shadow culture secretary , while Rachel Maskell takes the place of Laura Pidcock , who lost her seat at the election , as shadow employment rights secretary .
Luke Pollard , MP for Plymouth South and Devonport , replaces Ms Maskell as shadow environment secretary .

Labour leadership contender Rebecca Long-Bailey has declared she is "nobody's continuity candidate" as she launches her bid for the party's top job.
The shadow business secretary is one of six MPs vying to replace Jeremy Corbyn, who is standing down in the wake of the party's December general election defeat.
Ms Long-Bailey has faced criticism from opponents who claim she would simply represent a continuation of Mr Corbyn's leadership.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Labour needs Corbyn loyalist like a 'hole in head'
Former minister Jack Straw told Sky's Kay Burley@Breakfast that Labour needs a Corbyn loyalist as leader "like a hole in the head".
And former deputy leader Tom Watson said on Monday that Ms Long-Bailey "stands for Corbynism in its purest sense".
But in an interview with Sky News, the MP for Salford and Eccles sought to dismiss such criticism.
"I'm nobody's continuity candidate, that's for sure," Ms Long-Bailey said.
"I'm not driven by my own personal ambition, I'm driven by my principles and my willingness and wanting to develop our policies so we can transform our country and our regions and nations.
"That's what I'll be setting out throughout the course of my campaign."
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Ms Long-Bailey fired the starting gun on her leadership bid in an article for the left-wing Tribune website, in which she declared herself a "proud socialist".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 Long-Bailey 'stands for pure Corbynism' - Watson
Speaking to Sky News, she said the party "have to recognise" the reasons behind its election defeat, citing a number of factors.
She said: "We weren't trusted on Brexit, we weren't trusted on our ability to tackle antisemitism within our party and despite us having a fantastic policy platform, one of the greatest manifesto offerings we've ever had, we weren't trusted to be able to deliver that."
Ms Long-Bailey added that the party "didn't have a coherent narrative and a strategy to prove to people that we were economically credible and that we could deliver on our ambitious policies".
But in a sign of the balancing act she is seeking to play in the leadership race, Ms Long-Bailey mentioned her time in Mr Corbyn's top team as one of her selling points.
"I've spent the last four years immersed in the policies, developing many of the policies myself with my team," she said.
"So I know how important they are and how deliverable they are."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 Labour set out timetable for new leader
On the question of Mr Corbyn's leadership, Ms Long-Bailey said he faced "an unprecedented level of attacks against his character and his history within parliament".
She continued: "I was proud to support him, I thought he was one of the most honest, kind politicians I've ever met and he had fantastic ideas for the future.
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"But unfortunately, his character was attacked, and that did affect confidence on the ground when we were speaking to people.
"A new leader, whether that's myself or one of the other candidates, needs to recognise that they have to have that robust standing within our communities."
Ms Long-Bailey joins shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer, backbenchers Jess Phillips and Lisa Nandy, shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry and shadow Treasury minister Clive Lewis in an already-crowded field.
To get on the ballot paper, Ms Long-Bailey and the other candidates need the nominations of at least 22 Labour MPs by next Monday - when nominations close - and later at least 5% of all constituency parties and at least two trade unions.
Early polling suggests Sir Keir is the frontrunner, but a lengthy campaign awaits the candidates.
Voting begins on 21 February and runs until 2 April.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:50 Watson: Labour 'brutality and hostility' behind decision to quit
The winner will be announced at a special conference on 4 April.
The race to be Labour's next deputy leader also continues apace.
Rosena Allin-Khan, a former shadow minister for sport and MP for the London seat of Tooting, is the latest to join the race to succeed Mr Watson.
She told Kay Burley@Breakfast: "I'm the embodiment of what can happen when a Labour government believes in you.
"I want to fight tirelessly to rebuild our party, so that the door doesn't close on a whole generation's future."
Image: Ms Allin-Khan still works as an A&E doctor in her constituency
The other candidates are Angela Rayner, Ian Murray, Richard Burgon, Dawn Butler and Khalid Mahmood.
Meanwhile, Mr Corbyn has conducted a mini-reshuffle of his shadow cabinet.
Tracey Brabin replaces Mr Watson as shadow culture secretary, while Rachel Maskell takes the place of Laura Pidcock, who lost her seat at the election, as shadow employment rights secretary.
Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth South and Devonport, replaces Ms Maskell as shadow environment secretary.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-07--Chancellor hints budget will loosen purse strings after years of austerity

The date of Sajid Javid 's first Budget was revealed during a visit to the £350m Trafford Park tram line project in Manchester The chancellor says his delayed budget will be on 11 March and `` spread opportunity to those left behind '' .
Speaking on a visit to Manchester , Sajid Javid signalled the government would press ahead with its election manifesto pledge to loosen the purse strings following a decade of austerity .
The spending spree , he said , would be focused on the Midlands and the North - rewarding voters who ditched decades of loyal Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliamentary majority in December 's vote .
`` The country voted for change .
There are still too many people in our great country that feel left behind and we are going to deliver that change , '' he said .
`` With this budget we will unleash Britain 's potential - uniting our great country , opening a new chapter for our economy and ushering in a decade of renewal . ''
The election result leaves the UK on course to leave the EU on 31 January - ending some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic growth in the past few years .
Amid evidence of a `` Boris bounce '' in pent-up activity since the election , Mr Javid argued Brexit offers `` huge opportunities '' .
But economists have warned that a cloud of uncertainty continues to hang over the future as there are only 11 months to agree a trade deal with the EU under the current timeframe .
The budget , Mr Javid 's first as chancellor , is aimed at sending a clear signal that the UK is open for business and investing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Treasury said : `` The budget will prioritise the environment , and build on recent announcements to boost spending on public services and tackle the cost of living .
`` These include investing in new hospitals , training thousands of new police officers , funding vocational education and the biggest ever cash increase to the National Living Wage . ''
Sky News understands a National Infrastructure Strategy will be announced alongside the budget and that Mr Javid is also examining the workings of the Treasury that could lead to a widespread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been due to deliver the budget in November but it was postponed after Brexit was delayed in the previous deadlocked parliament - leading Boris Johnson to call the election .
: : Listen to All Out Politics on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The chancellor indicated during the campaign that the spending spree could lead to up to £20bn of extra borrowing annually to fund responsible capital spending .
It was confirmed by officials on Tuesday that the so-called fiscal rules - constraints designed to prevent borrowing getting out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflect the `` responsible '' spending plans .
Responding to news of the budget date , outgoing shadow chancellor John McDonnell said : `` After a decade of wrecking the economy , we can have no confidence in a Tory government delivering the scale of investment needed for renewal especially with a no-deal Brexit still on the table .
`` The lack of foresight in not focusing this budget on the threat of climate change is also criminally irresponsible .
`` The Government has learnt nothing from the fires in Australia and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a budget of climate change recklessness not renewal . ''

The chancellor says his delayed budget will be on 11 March and "spread opportunity to those left behind".
Speaking on a visit to Manchester, Sajid Javid signalled the government would press ahead with its election manifesto pledge to loosen the purse strings following a decade of austerity.
The spending spree, he said, would be focused on the Midlands and the North - rewarding voters who ditched decades of loyal Labour support to hand the Conservatives a large parliamentary majority in December's vote.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:59 Queen's speech: Brexit and NHS at heart of agenda
"The country voted for change. There are still too many people in our great country that feel left behind and we are going to deliver that change," he said.
"With this budget we will unleash Britain's potential - uniting our great country, opening a new chapter for our economy and ushering in a decade of renewal."
The election result leaves the UK on course to leave the EU on 31 January - ending some of the uncertainty that has held back investment and economic growth in the past few years.
Amid evidence of a "Boris bounce" in pent-up activity since the election, Mr Javid argued Brexit offers "huge opportunities".
But economists have warned that a cloud of uncertainty continues to hang over the future as there are only 11 months to agree a trade deal with the EU under the current timeframe.
The budget, Mr Javid's first as chancellor, is aimed at sending a clear signal that the UK is open for business and investing in its infrastructure and regions outside London.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 'Still a lot of uncertainty' for businesses over Brexit
The Treasury said: "The budget will prioritise the environment, and build on recent announcements to boost spending on public services and tackle the cost of living.
"These include investing in new hospitals, training thousands of new police officers, funding vocational education and the biggest ever cash increase to the National Living Wage."
Sky News understands a National Infrastructure Strategy will be announced alongside the budget and that Mr Javid is also examining the workings of the Treasury that could lead to a widespread reorganisation of the department.
He had been due to deliver the budget in November but it was postponed after Brexit was delayed in the previous deadlocked parliament - leading Boris Johnson to call the election.
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The chancellor indicated during the campaign that the spending spree could lead to up to £20bn of extra borrowing annually to fund responsible capital spending.
It was confirmed by officials on Tuesday that the so-called fiscal rules - constraints designed to prevent borrowing getting out of control - would be updated to reflect the "responsible" spending plans.
Responding to news of the budget date, outgoing shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: "After a decade of wrecking the economy, we can have no confidence in a Tory government delivering the scale of investment needed for renewal especially with a no-deal Brexit still on the table.
"The lack of foresight in not focusing this budget on the threat of climate change is also criminally irresponsible.
"The Government has learnt nothing from the fires in Australia and the floods on Indonesia.
"This will be a budget of climate change recklessness not renewal."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-06--Number 10 is strong but politics will still be unstable in 2020

Number 10 is strong but politics set to be anything but stable in 2020 Number 10 is strong but politics set to be anything but stable in 2020 Parliament is back after the Christmas break - but the strong majority might not mean stability Parliamentarians are back in Westminster this week as we turn the page on a decade which began in the ruins of the 2009 financial crisis , economic recession and austerity , and ended with Boris Johnson winning the biggest parliamentary majority since the days of Tony Blair .
After two referenda and three general elections in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave their verdict on years of political instability and infighting as they awarded Mr Johnson what had eluded his predecessor Theresa May in the 2017 election ; enough MPs to form a `` strong and stable '' government .
We are back in many ways to politics as usual .
Parliament has been largely incapacitated once more .
MPs can debate and oppose government policy but no longer have the power to frustrate or curtail the government .
All the drama of the green benches and the Brexit wars that defined politics over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson now has the numbers to re-cast Great Britain as he sees fit and build his legacy as one of the most significant prime ministers in modern history alongside Thatcher and Blair .
But Mr Johnson 's strong government does n't necessarily mean politics will be stable , as the early days of 2020 have so acutely demonstrated with President Trump 's decision to kill top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani .
That decision has thrown global powers into crisis amid fears that the shadowy war between Tehran and Washington could slide into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between an impulsive US president whom Mr Johnson has courted as an ally , his EU partners and UK 's self-interest is the first big test for Mr Johnson .
He can ill-afford to alienate President Trump with whom he needs to strike a trade deal , nor will he want to antagonise EU allies ahead of Brexit and critical trade talks in Brussels .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Perhaps mindful of that , Mr Johnson has neither rebuked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the killing .
Instead he has released a joint statement with fellow EU leaders - Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel - as he seeks to maintain unity while urging restraint from his US ally .
But if this conflict escalates it will be increasingly difficult for Mr Johnson to keep bridging the transatlantic divide and avoid being dragged into it by his biggest ally .
This was the path Tony Blair chose at the turn of the century when he went to war in Iraq with President George W Bush .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his record as Labour 's most electorally successful and longest-serving prime minister .
With Iran undoubtedly his most pressing crisis , how to navigate Brexit is also of risk to the prime minister who swept back into Downing Street with a tub-thumping majority having promised not only to `` get Brexit done '' but to `` unleash Britain 's potential '' in a bountiful post-Brexit nirvana .
The prime minister has the comfort of knowing parliament will not block his Brexit divorce deal while he has the parliamentary numbers to drive through a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by the end of the year .
But his new cliff-edge of December 2020 again brings about the prospect of instability for British businesses and the economy .
Mr Johnson is adamant that the UK must leave - if necessary on World Trade Organisation terms , with tariffs , quotas and regulatory checks - by the end of the year .
But he knows that safeguarding the trading relationship between the EU and the UK - worth £650bn in 2018 - will be critical to his health of the UK economy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So do the markets , which is why sterling gave up its post-election rise after Mr Johnson insisted just before Christmas he would write into law his promise to quit the EU at the end of 2020 whether he 'd locked in a trade deal or not .
The prospect of a hard exit at the end of the year rattled markets and businesses , who fear a sudden imposition of tariffs and regulatory barriers on UK-EU trade could lead to gridlock at the ports and damage the economy .
Downing Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Whitehall 's lexicon but the progress of the trade talks and the decisions Mr Johnson takes on alignment to EU rules and regulations will be a critically important to the economy and to his reign .
Mr Johnson will struggle to 'level up ' different regions around the country and pour investment into hospitals , transport , the police and schools if the UK economy is stuttering .
Another unknown for Mr Johnson is who he will face across the dispatch box come April when the new Labour leader is elected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ - from Yvette Cooper to Rachel Reeves , Lisa Nandy , Jess Philips , Stephen Kinnock - was put out to pasture during the Corbyn years .
The infighting and factionalism within the party , coupled with an ineffective leader , served up a weak opposition and helped gift the Conservatives power for another five years .
Now the party has a choice between electing another iteration of Mr Corbyn or picking a candidate that can broaden Labour 's appeal .
A revival of the Labour Party under a new leader beyond the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson stumble over Brexit or fail to deliver the promises he made in the election to those former Labour supporters who lent the Conservatives their vote .
But the journey back for the party is long and arduous .
To secure a majority victory the Labour Party would need a bigger swing of voters back to them ( 11.8 % ) than Tony Blair enjoyed in his landslide victory of 1997 ( 10.2 % ) .
Labour would have to gain seats such as Hexham and Bournemouth West which it has never won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Mr Johnson 's Conservatives could be in power for not just one more term but at least two .
But as the beginning of the 2020s reminds us , a big parliamentary majority does n't necessarily end political and diplomatic drama which this week moved to the the global stage .
Mr Johnson must navigate the Iranian crisis and then turn his mind to his biggest challenge yet - delivering Brexit without damaging the economy .

Parliamentarians are back in Westminster this week as we turn the page on a decade which began in the ruins of the 2009 financial crisis, economic recession and austerity, and ended with Boris Johnson winning the biggest parliamentary majority since the days of Tony Blair.
After two referenda and three general elections in relatively quick succession, the British people gave their verdict on years of political instability and infighting as they awarded Mr Johnson what had eluded his predecessor Theresa May in the 2017 election; enough MPs to form a "strong and stable" government.
We are back in many ways to politics as usual. Parliament has been largely incapacitated once more. MPs can debate and oppose government policy but no longer have the power to frustrate or curtail the government. All the drama of the green benches and the Brexit wars that defined politics over the past three years is over.
Mr Johnson now has the numbers to re-cast Great Britain as he sees fit and build his legacy as one of the most significant prime ministers in modern history alongside Thatcher and Blair.
But Mr Johnson's strong government doesn't necessarily mean politics will be stable, as the early days of 2020 have so acutely demonstrated with President Trump's decision to kill top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.
That decision has thrown global powers into crisis amid fears that the shadowy war between Tehran and Washington could slide into an all-out conflict.
How to navigate between an impulsive US president whom Mr Johnson has courted as an ally, his EU partners and UK's self-interest is the first big test for Mr Johnson.
He can ill-afford to alienate President Trump with whom he needs to strike a trade deal, nor will he want to antagonise EU allies ahead of Brexit and critical trade talks in Brussels.
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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Perhaps mindful of that, Mr Johnson has neither rebuked President Trump nor offered his fulsome support for the killing. Instead he has released a joint statement with fellow EU leaders - Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel - as he seeks to maintain unity while urging restraint from his US ally.
But if this conflict escalates it will be increasingly difficult for Mr Johnson to keep bridging the transatlantic divide and avoid being dragged into it by his biggest ally.
This was the path Tony Blair chose at the turn of the century when he went to war in Iraq with President George W Bush. That war has defined his legacy, eviscerating his record as Labour's most electorally successful and longest-serving prime minister.
Image: Tony Blair made his choice to ally the US
With Iran undoubtedly his most pressing crisis, how to navigate Brexit is also of risk to the prime minister who swept back into Downing Street with a tub-thumping majority having promised not only to "get Brexit done" but to "unleash Britain's potential" in a bountiful post-Brexit nirvana.
The prime minister has the comfort of knowing parliament will not block his Brexit divorce deal while he has the parliamentary numbers to drive through a basic trade deal, or even no-deal, by the end of the year.
But his new cliff-edge of December 2020 again brings about the prospect of instability for British businesses and the economy.
Mr Johnson is adamant that the UK must leave - if necessary on World Trade Organisation terms, with tariffs, quotas and regulatory checks - by the end of the year.
Image: Boris Johnson welcomed dozens of new Tory MPs to parliament
But he knows that safeguarding the trading relationship between the EU and the UK - worth £650bn in 2018 - will be critical to his health of the UK economy and his ability to invest in public services.
So do the markets, which is why sterling gave up its post-election rise after Mr Johnson insisted just before Christmas he would write into law his promise to quit the EU at the end of 2020 whether he'd locked in a trade deal or not.
The prospect of a hard exit at the end of the year rattled markets and businesses, who fear a sudden imposition of tariffs and regulatory barriers on UK-EU trade could lead to gridlock at the ports and damage the economy.
Downing Street might want to ban the word Brexit from Whitehall's lexicon but the progress of the trade talks and the decisions Mr Johnson takes on alignment to EU rules and regulations will be a critically important to the economy and to his reign.
Mr Johnson will struggle to 'level up' different regions around the country and pour investment into hospitals, transport, the police and schools if the UK economy is stuttering.
Image: The next challenge will be who Mr Johnson faces in opposition
Another unknown for Mr Johnson is who he will face across the dispatch box come April when the new Labour leader is elected.
Much of the talent within the party - from Yvette Cooper to Rachel Reeves, Lisa Nandy, Jess Philips, Stephen Kinnock - was put out to pasture during the Corbyn years.
The infighting and factionalism within the party, coupled with an ineffective leader, served up a weak opposition and helped gift the Conservatives power for another five years.
Now the party has a choice between electing another iteration of Mr Corbyn or picking a candidate that can broaden Labour's appeal.
A revival of the Labour Party under a new leader beyond the Corbyn camp, could ignite should Mr Johnson stumble over Brexit or fail to deliver the promises he made in the election to those former Labour supporters who lent the Conservatives their vote.
But the journey back for the party is long and arduous. To secure a majority victory the Labour Party would need a bigger swing of voters back to them (11.8%) than Tony Blair enjoyed in his landslide victory of 1997 (10.2%). Labour would have to gain seats such as Hexham and Bournemouth West which it has never won.
The scale of the task suggests that Mr Johnson's Conservatives could be in power for not just one more term but at least two.
But as the beginning of the 2020s reminds us, a big parliamentary majority doesn't necessarily end political and diplomatic drama which this week moved to the the global stage.
Mr Johnson must navigate the Iranian crisis and then turn his mind to his biggest challenge yet - delivering Brexit without damaging the economy.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-06--'Proud socialist' Long-Bailey joins race to be next Labour leader

Rebecca Long-Bailey , the pro-Corbyn candidate for Labour leader , is finally entering the race , promising a `` socialist agenda '' and hitting out at her chief rival Sir Keir Starmer .
Announcing herself as a `` proud socialist '' , the 40-year-old Shadow Business Secretary dismissed as the `` continuity candidate '' by opponents , becomes the sixth Labour MP to join the contest .
She joins Sir Keir , backbenchers Jess Phillips and Lisa Nandy , shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry and shadow Treasury minister Clive Lewis in an already-crowded field .
Writing on the left-wing Tribune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` comrades '' , accuses Labour of `` cosying up to Rupert Murdoch '' and says Labour should not have campaigned alongside David Cameron in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum .
And in what will be seen as a barbed attack on front runner Sir Keir - a top QC reputed to be a millionaire - and other rivals , she says she is `` not a millionaire or a landlord , and I did n't go to a posh school '' .
Ms Long-Bailey declares : `` Our task is to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and this task has never been more urgent .
`` Many candidates in the leadership election say they will not return to the triangulation and Tory-lite policies that held our party back before Jeremy .
But we need a leader that can be trusted with our socialist agenda .
`` A leader who is totally committed to the policies and has the political backbone to defend them .
We need a proud socialist to lead the Labour Party , driven by their principles and an unwavering determination to see democratic socialism in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these reasons and more , I have decided to stand for election to become the next leader of our Party .
I do n't just agree with the policies , I 've spent the last four years writing them . ''
Reinforcing the view that she offers `` continuity Corbyn '' , she writes : `` Under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn we 've drawn upon the collective knowledge and experience of that movement to develop a radical , ambitious socialist vision for the future .
`` This is our greatest strength , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from and will stay true to that movement . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker And in what will be seen as a wooing of Labour left-wingers , she adds : `` We 've also , at times , been too close to the establishment we are meant to be taking on - whether cosying up to Rupert Murdoch , joining forces with David Cameron in the Better Together campaign in 2014 or turning our focus inwards on parliamentary manoeuvring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win , we need to rebuild Labour as an insurgent force and offer a vision for a new democracy .
We must go to war with the political establishment , pledging a constitutional revolution that sweeps away the House of Lords , takes big money out of politics and radically shifts power away from Westminster . ''
In the 24 hours before her formal declaration , there had been claims that Ms Long-Bailey 's campaign was faltering and that her camp was `` panicking that they have n't got enough support '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs was being made harder by the threat of the pro-Corbyn Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery to enter the contest , though he has now withdrawn .
But she says in her Tribune article : `` I have n't rushed to announce my candidacy because I wanted to take time to reflect following the devastating results in December .
I did n't emerge from the election with a ready-made leadership campaign because my every effort during the election went into campaigning for a Labour victory .
I 'm not driven by personal ambition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unwavering desire to change our country and our world for the better .
`` And those principles have led me here .
I 'm not your typical politician .
I 'm not a millionaire or a landlord , and I did n't go to a posh school .
Instead I 'm a lifelong socialist , dedicated to our movement and determined to do my bit .
You 're as likely to see me on a picket line as you are at the dispatch box , and you can trust me to fight the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she concludes by quoting the hero of the socialist left and creator of the NHS in the 1940s , Aneurin Bevan , declaring : `` We have a mountain to climb comrades , and the crises we face are stark .
But we have our socialist vision , a path to victory and most importantly , we have each other .
`` More than ever , Nye Bevan 's words ring true : 'There is only one hope for humanity , and that is democratic socialism . '
`` Our strength , determination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can do this . ''
To get on the ballot paper , Ms Long-Bailey and the other candidates need the nominations of at least 22 Labour MPs by next Monday and later at least 5 % of all constituency parties and at least two trade unions .
Ms Long-Bailey received a boost when the left-wing Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery announced he had decided not to stand and would throw his full support behind her .
`` Having worked with her in the shadow cabinet I know she has the intellect , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop the popular , common sense socialist policies that Jeremy Corbyn has championed , '' he said .
`` And after more than a century it 's about time the Labour Party was led by a woman . ''
The announcement by the Salford and Eccles MP that she is running comes just hours before the first hustings of the 12-week leadership campaign , before Labour MPs in the Commons .
The leadership hustings , to be chaired by the acting chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party , Catherine McKinnell , are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Westminster after the Christmas recess .
In an email to Labour MPs , leadership candidates have been given until 5pm to inform the PLP if they wish to address the hustings , which will last 90 minutes , until 7.30pm .
Further 90-minute hustings , for the deputy leadership of the party vacated by Tom Watson , will take place at 10am on Wednesday and would-be candidates have until 9am to ask to take part .
So far the declared candidates for deputy leader are Angela Rayner , who is backing Ms Long-Bailey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burgon , Rosena Allin-Khan , Khalid Mahmood and Ian Murrary .
In the face for leader , in which the winner will be announced at a special conference on Grand National day , April 4 , Sir Keir has opened up a solid lead over his rivals , according to the first poll of Labour members .
In the poll , by YouGov , 31 % chose Sir Keir , 20 % Ms Long-Bailey , 11 % Ms Phillips , 7 % Yvette Cooper and Clive Lewis , 6 % Emily Thornberry and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll , by Sky Bet , quotes odds for Sir Keir of 4/6 , with Ms Long-Bailey 3/1 , Lisa Nandy 10/1 , Jess Phillips 12/1 , Clive Lewis 22/1 and Emily Thornberry 50/1 .

Rebecca Long-Bailey, the pro-Corbyn candidate for Labour leader, is finally entering the race, promising a "socialist agenda" and hitting out at her chief rival Sir Keir Starmer.
Announcing herself as a "proud socialist", the 40-year-old Shadow Business Secretary dismissed as the "continuity candidate" by opponents, becomes the sixth Labour MP to join the contest.
She joins Sir Keir, backbenchers Jess Phillips and Lisa Nandy, shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry and shadow Treasury minister Clive Lewis in an already-crowded field.
Writing on the left-wing Tribune website, she addresses party members as "comrades", accuses Labour of "cosying up to Rupert Murdoch" and says Labour should not have campaigned alongside David Cameron in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.
And in what will be seen as a barbed attack on front runner Sir Keir - a top QC reputed to be a millionaire - and other rivals, she says she is "not a millionaire or a landlord, and I didn't go to a posh school".
Ms Long-Bailey declares: "Our task is to build a winning vision of a socialist future, and this task has never been more urgent.
"Many candidates in the leadership election say they will not return to the triangulation and Tory-lite policies that held our party back before Jeremy. But we need a leader that can be trusted with our socialist agenda.
"A leader who is totally committed to the policies and has the political backbone to defend them. We need a proud socialist to lead the Labour Party, driven by their principles and an unwavering determination to see democratic socialism in our lifetime.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Labour needs Corbyn loyalist like a 'hole in head'
"For all of these reasons and more, I have decided to stand for election to become the next leader of our Party. I don't just agree with the policies, I've spent the last four years writing them."
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Reinforcing the view that she offers "continuity Corbyn", she writes: "Under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn we've drawn upon the collective knowledge and experience of that movement to develop a radical, ambitious socialist vision for the future.
"This is our greatest strength, and we need a leader who comes from and will stay true to that movement."
:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
And in what will be seen as a wooing of Labour left-wingers, she adds: "We've also, at times, been too close to the establishment we are meant to be taking on - whether cosying up to Rupert Murdoch, joining forces with David Cameron in the Better Together campaign in 2014 or turning our focus inwards on parliamentary manoeuvring for the last year.
"To win, we need to rebuild Labour as an insurgent force and offer a vision for a new democracy. We must go to war with the political establishment, pledging a constitutional revolution that sweeps away the House of Lords, takes big money out of politics and radically shifts power away from Westminster."
Image: Ms Long-Bailey is a key ally of Jeremy Corbyn
In the 24 hours before her formal declaration, there had been claims that Ms Long-Bailey's campaign was faltering and that her camp was "panicking that they haven't got enough support". And her bid to win nominations from MPs was being made harder by the threat of the pro-Corbyn Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery to enter the contest, though he has now withdrawn.
But she says in her Tribune article: "I haven't rushed to announce my candidacy because I wanted to take time to reflect following the devastating results in December. I didn't emerge from the election with a ready-made leadership campaign because my every effort during the election went into campaigning for a Labour victory. I'm not driven by personal ambition, but by my principles and an unwavering desire to change our country and our world for the better.
"And those principles have led me here. I'm not your typical politician. I'm not a millionaire or a landlord, and I didn't go to a posh school. Instead I'm a lifelong socialist, dedicated to our movement and determined to do my bit. You're as likely to see me on a picket line as you are at the dispatch box, and you can trust me to fight the establishment tooth and nail."
Image: Rebecca Long-Bailey and Angela Rayner are good friends and flatmates
And she concludes by quoting the hero of the socialist left and creator of the NHS in the 1940s, Aneurin Bevan, declaring: "We have a mountain to climb comrades, and the crises we face are stark. But we have our socialist vision, a path to victory and most importantly, we have each other.
"More than ever, Nye Bevan's words ring true: 'There is only one hope for humanity, and that is democratic socialism.'
"Our strength, determination and resilience will prevail. Together, we can do this."
To get on the ballot paper, Ms Long-Bailey and the other candidates need the nominations of at least 22 Labour MPs by next Monday and later at least 5% of all constituency parties and at least two trade unions.
Ms Long-Bailey received a boost when the left-wing Labour Party chairman Ian Lavery announced he had decided not to stand and would throw his full support behind her.
Image: Ian Lavery decided not to stand and to back Ms Long-Bailey instead
"Having worked with her in the shadow cabinet I know she has the intellect, drive and determination to take forward and develop the popular, common sense socialist policies that Jeremy Corbyn has championed," he said.
"And after more than a century it's about time the Labour Party was led by a woman."
The announcement by the Salford and Eccles MP that she is running comes just hours before the first hustings of the 12-week leadership campaign, before Labour MPs in the Commons.
The leadership hustings, to be chaired by the acting chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party, Catherine McKinnell, are at 6pm on the day MPs return to Westminster after the Christmas recess.
Image: Keir Starmer and Jess Phillips have already launched their campaigns
In an email to Labour MPs, leadership candidates have been given until 5pm to inform the PLP if they wish to address the hustings, which will last 90 minutes, until 7.30pm.
Further 90-minute hustings, for the deputy leadership of the party vacated by Tom Watson, will take place at 10am on Wednesday and would-be candidates have until 9am to ask to take part.
So far the declared candidates for deputy leader are Angela Rayner, who is backing Ms Long-Bailey for leader, Dawn Butler, Richard Burgon, Rosena Allin-Khan, Khalid Mahmood and Ian Murrary.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:21 Labour set out timetable for new leader
In the face for leader, in which the winner will be announced at a special conference on Grand National day, April 4, Sir Keir has opened up a solid lead over his rivals, according to the first poll of Labour members.
In the poll, by YouGov, 31% chose Sir Keir, 20% Ms Long-Bailey, 11% Ms Phillips, 7% Yvette Cooper and Clive Lewis, 6% Emily Thornberry and 5% Lisa Nandy.
The latest poll, by Sky Bet, quotes odds for Sir Keir of 4/6, with Ms Long-Bailey 3/1, Lisa Nandy 10/1, Jess Phillips 12/1, Clive Lewis 22/1 and Emily Thornberry 50/1.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-06--Fifth Labour MP announces deputy leader candidacy

Rosena Allin-Khan has been pro-EU during her time as an MP The former shadow minister for sport has thrown her hat in the ring to run for deputy leader of the Labour Party .
Rosena Allin-Khan , who still works as an A & E doctor in her constituency in Tooting , says she plans to listen to people who felt they have been let down by Labour if she is elected as deputy leader .
Dr Allin-Khan , who won her seat in south London after Sadiq Khan stepped down when he became Mayor of London , found viral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mimicked a scene from Love Actually in an election video .
Boris Johnson appeared to take inspiration himself , releasing a similar video shortly afterwards .
She becomes the fifth candidate to succeed Tom Watson as deputy leader , and is joined by Angela Rayner , Richard Burgon , Dawn Butler and Khalid Mahmood .
Ian Murray , the party 's only remaining Scottish MP , is thought to be preparing his announcement to run in the same contest .
Dr Allin-Khan said : `` The Labour Party shaped my values , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my background otherwise would not have had .
It gave me the ability to represent my community and provided me with the opportunity to train as a doctor to harness the skills to listen and serve people - regardless of their age , background or personal struggles .
I want the Labour Party to be in government again to afford the current generation the hope that was offered to me .
`` It is vital that we restore trust in the Labour Party across the country .
It is clear that people did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept this fact , evaluate it , and learn from it in order to move forward .
We can not put words into people 's mouths .
Our path back to power involves listening with humility to those former Labour voters who have abandoned the party .
`` I believe my life experience means I can help our movement do this .
As a doctor , I can not guess or assume what is wrong with a patient - I have to listen to their symptoms and investigate the root causes - this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party , and is what I will do as deputy leader . ''
Dr Allin-Khan was appointed shadow minister for sport in 2016 , drawing on her experience as an amateur boxer .
She has been critical in the past of Jeremy Corbyn 's position on Brexit , urging him early last year to be `` the leading voice '' on a second referendum .
Sir Keir is the current favourite to win .
The rules and timetable for the deputy leadership contest will be the same as the Labour leadership .
Mrs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Long-Bailey , her friend and flatmate , launched her campaign saying : `` We must rethink and renew our purpose and how we convince the people to share it .
`` Either we face up to these new times or we become irrelevant . ''
Other allies of Mr Corbyn in the mix for deputy include Mr Burgon , who said the policies of the outgoing leader should not be abandoned .

The former shadow minister for sport has thrown her hat in the ring to run for deputy leader of the Labour Party.
Rosena Allin-Khan, who still works as an A&E doctor in her constituency in Tooting, says she plans to listen to people who felt they have been let down by Labour if she is elected as deputy leader.
Dr Allin-Khan, who won her seat in south London after Sadiq Khan stepped down when he became Mayor of London, found viral fame on Twitter last month when she mimicked a scene from Love Actually in an election video.
Boris Johnson appeared to take inspiration himself, releasing a similar video shortly afterwards.
She becomes the fifth candidate to succeed Tom Watson as deputy leader, and is joined by Angela Rayner, Richard Burgon, Dawn Butler and Khalid Mahmood.
Ian Murray, the party's only remaining Scottish MP, is thought to be preparing his announcement to run in the same contest.
Dr Allin-Khan said: "The Labour Party shaped my values, while giving me the chances a person from my background otherwise would not have had. It gave me the ability to represent my community and provided me with the opportunity to train as a doctor to harness the skills to listen and serve people - regardless of their age, background or personal struggles. I want the Labour Party to be in government again to afford the current generation the hope that was offered to me.
"It is vital that we restore trust in the Labour Party across the country. It is clear that people did not trust us - we need to accept this fact, evaluate it, and learn from it in order to move forward. We cannot put words into people's mouths. Our path back to power involves listening with humility to those former Labour voters who have abandoned the party.
"I believe my life experience means I can help our movement do this. As a doctor, I cannot guess or assume what is wrong with a patient - I have to listen to their symptoms and investigate the root causes - this is what we must do as a party, and is what I will do as deputy leader."
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Image: Ms Allin-Khan during the 2019 election, her third in Tooting
Dr Allin-Khan was appointed shadow minister for sport in 2016, drawing on her experience as an amateur boxer.
She has been critical in the past of Jeremy Corbyn's position on Brexit, urging him early last year to be "the leading voice" on a second referendum.
Labour leadership candidates include Keir Starmer, Clive Lewis, Jess Philips, Lisa Nandy, Emily Thornberry and Rebecca Long-Bailey.
Sir Keir is the current favourite to win.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 Long-Bailey 'stands for pure Corbynism' - Watson
The rules and timetable for the deputy leadership contest will be the same as the Labour leadership.
Mrs Rayner, who said she will back Ms Long-Bailey, her friend and flatmate, launched her campaign saying: "We must rethink and renew our purpose and how we convince the people to share it.
"Either we face up to these new times or we become irrelevant."
Other allies of Mr Corbyn in the mix for deputy include Mr Burgon, who said the policies of the outgoing leader should not be abandoned.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-06--Govt stands down no-deal Brexit planning despite PM election pledge

Emergency preparations for a no-deal Brexit have been stood down `` with immediate effect '' as Boris Johnson 's deal is expected to be approved by MPs .
Civil service chiefs who have spent many months working on contingency plans , known as Operation Yellowhammer , were told to bring them to a halt two days before Christmas , Sky News has learnt .
According to a leaked letter - marked `` Official Sensitive '' and sent by the most senior official at the Department for Exiting the EU to senior officials on December 23 - staff will no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prime minister 's Brexit deal is expected to be approved by MPs , paving the way for Britain 's exit from the EU this month .
The contingency plans were first delayed last spring after Theresa May sought an extension to Britain 's EU membership , and again in October when Boris Johnson was forced to delay Brexit .
But Mr Johnson refused to confirm during the election campaign that preparations for no-deal would cease , telling journalists in late November that the UK would remain in a `` state of readiness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerns that Britain faces another potential no-deal `` cliff edge '' at the end of this year , if a trade deal with the EU can not be struck within the 11-month timescale the prime minister has set out ; or if he strikes a deal in which Britain diverges dramatically from EU rules and there is disruption for businesses .
The letter from Clare Moriarty , permanent secretary at the Brexit department , states : `` In the light of the successful vote at the Second Reading of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now confirmed the Government 's intention to stand down no deal planning for 31 January 2020 with immediate effect . ''
She tells senior figures in other departments that `` new spending '' for plans to leave without a deal this month `` should not be authorised '' and staff deployed to other departments to work on it `` should now remain in their home departments . ''
But Ms Moriarty states that the government will now focus on delivering the current withdrawal deal and `` being ready for the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The prime minister was asked about the Yellowhammer plans during the election campaign and said that if he won and Brexit happened before January 31 , `` those preparations would be extremely valuable '' for a later date .
He told an audience that it was right to `` keep [ them ] in a state of readiness '' as the government tries to negotiate a free-trade deal by the end of this year , adding : `` Of course preparations will remain extant , there 's no reason to dismantle them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer , it emerged that the government was preparing for a three-month meltdown at ports , and possible shortages of food , fuel and medicine .
Experts say the plan to stand down the contingency preparations for 31 January makes sense , given that contracts to keep medicines in refrigerated warehouses and bring in emergency fuel supplies will not be needed .
Operation Brock , the plan to cope with lorry queues in Kent , has also been officially stood down in the past few days .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Jill Rutter , senior research fellow at the UK in a Changing Europe think tank said : `` Standing down Yellowhammer makes sense assuming the withdrawal agreement gets through .
`` The Conservatives have got a big majority and the Lords wo n't stand in the way of passing something so central to the government 's platform .
`` But we still do n't know on what terms we will leave at the end of December and if , as Boris Johnson has indicated , we will diverge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the no deal preparations would still be needed even if we leave with a trade deal . ''
A government spokesperson last night confirmed : `` In light of the successful vote at Second Reading of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill , we decided to step down Government 's preparations for leaving the EU without a deal .
`` We are confident that we will ratify the Brexit deal by 31 January .
This will allow Government to focus on the people 's priorities in 2020 , including the NHS and levelling up innovation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Emergency preparations for a no-deal Brexit have been stood down "with immediate effect" as Boris Johnson's deal is expected to be approved by MPs.
Civil service chiefs who have spent many months working on contingency plans, known as Operation Yellowhammer, were told to bring them to a halt two days before Christmas, Sky News has learnt.
According to a leaked letter - marked "Official Sensitive" and sent by the most senior official at the Department for Exiting the EU to senior officials on December 23 - staff will no longer be deployed on the plans, as the prime minister's Brexit deal is expected to be approved by MPs, paving the way for Britain's exit from the EU this month.
The contingency plans were first delayed last spring after Theresa May sought an extension to Britain's EU membership, and again in October when Boris Johnson was forced to delay Brexit.
But Mr Johnson refused to confirm during the election campaign that preparations for no-deal would cease, telling journalists in late November that the UK would remain in a "state of readiness".
Government officials have privately expressed concerns that Britain faces another potential no-deal "cliff edge" at the end of this year, if a trade deal with the EU cannot be struck within the 11-month timescale the prime minister has set out; or if he strikes a deal in which Britain diverges dramatically from EU rules and there is disruption for businesses.
The letter from Clare Moriarty, permanent secretary at the Brexit department, states: "In the light of the successful vote at the Second Reading of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill on Friday, the Prime Minister has now confirmed the Government's intention to stand down no deal planning for 31 January 2020 with immediate effect."
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She tells senior figures in other departments that "new spending" for plans to leave without a deal this month "should not be authorised" and staff deployed to other departments to work on it "should now remain in their home departments."
But Ms Moriarty states that the government will now focus on delivering the current withdrawal deal and "being ready for the end of the implementation period in all circumstances".
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The prime minister was asked about the Yellowhammer plans during the election campaign and said that if he won and Brexit happened before January 31, "those preparations would be extremely valuable" for a later date.
Image: There were fears some medicines could be in short supply in the event of a no-deal Brexit
He told an audience that it was right to "keep [them] in a state of readiness" as the government tries to negotiate a free-trade deal by the end of this year, adding: "Of course preparations will remain extant, there's no reason to dismantle them."
When Operation Yellowhammer was revealed last summer, it emerged that the government was preparing for a three-month meltdown at ports, and possible shortages of food, fuel and medicine.
Experts say the plan to stand down the contingency preparations for 31 January makes sense, given that contracts to keep medicines in refrigerated warehouses and bring in emergency fuel supplies will not be needed.
Operation Brock, the plan to cope with lorry queues in Kent, has also been officially stood down in the past few days.
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Jill Rutter, senior research fellow at the UK in a Changing Europe think tank said: "Standing down Yellowhammer makes sense assuming the withdrawal agreement gets through.
"The Conservatives have got a big majority and the Lords won't stand in the way of passing something so central to the government's platform.
"But we still don't know on what terms we will leave at the end of December and if, as Boris Johnson has indicated, we will diverge significantly from the EU, lots of the no deal preparations would still be needed even if we leave with a trade deal."
A government spokesperson last night confirmed: "In light of the successful vote at Second Reading of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, we decided to step down Government's preparations for leaving the EU without a deal.
"We are confident that we will ratify the Brexit deal by 31 January. This will allow Government to focus on the people's priorities in 2020, including the NHS and levelling up innovation, infrastructure and opportunities across the country."


skynewspolitics--2020-01-06--Labour agrees timetable for new leader to be in place

Labour agrees timetable for new leader to be in place Labour agrees timetable for new leader to be in place The Labour Party will vote for a new leader in the next few months A new Labour leader will be in place before Easter , the party has confirmed , with the result announced at a special conference on 4 April .
Confirming the timetable to vote , the party 's ruling National Executive Committee ( NEC ) decided registered supporters will have to pay £25 to vote .
People with full membership will not have to pay extra to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ window to sign up next week .
People in this group includes members of societies or unions affiliated to Labour , such as Unite , GMB , or Scientists for Labour .
According to ITV , leader Jeremy Corbyn voted to reduce the fee for supporters to vote to £12 but was outvoted .
A Labour Party spokesperson said : `` Our National Executive Committee has agreed the timetable and process for the leadership and deputy leadership elections .
The ballot will run from 21 February to 2 April , with the results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are by far the largest political party in the UK with well over half a million members .
We want as many of our members and supporters to take part , so it has been designed to be open , fair and democratic . ''
Nominations will open on Tuesday 7 January and close on Monday 13 January .
Registered supporters will have 48 hours , between 5pm on 14 January and the same time on 16 January , to pay the £25 to vote .
There will be a freeze on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5pm on 20 January .
The ballot will open and voting will take place from 21 February , and close on 2 April , with a special conference held two days later to announce the result .
So far , the MPs who have confirmed they are running for the leadership include Jess Phillips , Sir Keir Starmer , Lisa Nandy , Emily Thornberry and Clive Lewis .
There is speculation that Rebecca Long-Bailey will run and Ian Lavery has suggested he might throw his hat in the ring .
However former deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not win an election and called her a `` continuity candidate '' .
He told Sky News : `` I do n't know who I 'm going to vote for and there 's one or two I 'd be worried about .
`` I guess the one I would worry about - but I do n't know what she stands for - when I look at Rebecca Long-Bailey , she 's the continuity candidate , she stands for Corbynism in its purest sense .
`` That 's perfectly legitimate but we have lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The rules announcement comes after dozens of members signed an open letter to the NEC asking that it becomes easier for members to hold those on the committee to account and calling for greater transparency .
The letter , signed by former Momentum leader Laura Parker as well as ex-BBC journalist Paul Mason , asked for minutes from NEC meetings to be published , and suggested holding Facebook Lives and travelling around the country for meetings with members .
And they 're off !
The result of the Labour leadership election will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Day , Saturday 4 April .
The early front runner and odds on favourite with the bookmakers is Sir Keir Starmer .
But another fancied runner , Rebecca Long-Bailey , appears to be struggling to get out of the stalls .
At the same time as Labour 's ruling national executive was drawing up the election timetable , a senior source loyal to Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News the Long-Bailey camp was `` panicking that they have n't got enough support '' .
Another source , admittedly a supporter of a rival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hear Wrong Daily 's campaign is in chaos . ''
At the launch of her campaign for deputy leader , Angela Rayner was challenged on claims by some Labour MPs that she and not her close friend and flatmate Ms Long-Bailey should be standing for leader .
It was no secret that they 're good friends , she said , and she was n't going to stand against her .
But her confident and relaxed demeanour at her launch and the fact that her friend 's campaign is clearly faltering will reinforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Rayner and not Ms Long-Bailey would be the better candidate for leader .

A new Labour leader will be in place before Easter, the party has confirmed, with the result announced at a special conference on 4 April.
Confirming the timetable to vote, the party's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) decided registered supporters will have to pay £25 to vote.
People with full membership will not have to pay extra to vote.
Supporters will have a 48-hour window to sign up next week. People in this group includes members of societies or unions affiliated to Labour, such as Unite, GMB, or Scientists for Labour.
According to ITV, leader Jeremy Corbyn voted to reduce the fee for supporters to vote to £12 but was outvoted.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: "Our National Executive Committee has agreed the timetable and process for the leadership and deputy leadership elections. The ballot will run from 21 February to 2 April, with the results announced on Saturday 4 April.
"We are by far the largest political party in the UK with well over half a million members. We want as many of our members and supporters to take part, so it has been designed to be open, fair and democratic."
Nominations will open on Tuesday 7 January and close on Monday 13 January.
Registered supporters will have 48 hours, between 5pm on 14 January and the same time on 16 January, to pay the £25 to vote.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 Long-Bailey 'stands for pure Corbynism' - Watson
There will be a freeze on new party members and affiliated supporters at 5pm on 20 January.
The ballot will open and voting will take place from 21 February, and close on 2 April, with a special conference held two days later to announce the result.
So far, the MPs who have confirmed they are running for the leadership include Jess Phillips, Sir Keir Starmer, Lisa Nandy, Emily Thornberry and Clive Lewis.
There is speculation that Rebecca Long-Bailey will run and Ian Lavery has suggested he might throw his hat in the ring.
However former deputy leader Tom Watson suggested Ms Long-Bailey would not win an election and called her a "continuity candidate".
He told Sky News: "I don't know who I'm going to vote for and there's one or two I'd be worried about.
"I guess the one I would worry about - but I don't know what she stands for - when I look at Rebecca Long-Bailey, she's the continuity candidate, she stands for Corbynism in its purest sense.
"That's perfectly legitimate but we have lost two elections in that play."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 Labour's leadership candidates vow to restore trust in party
The rules announcement comes after dozens of members signed an open letter to the NEC asking that it becomes easier for members to hold those on the committee to account and calling for greater transparency.
The letter, signed by former Momentum leader Laura Parker as well as ex-BBC journalist Paul Mason, asked for minutes from NEC meetings to be published, and suggested holding Facebook Lives and travelling around the country for meetings with members.
Analysis by Jon Craig, chief political correspondent
And they're off! The result of the Labour leadership election will be announced at a special conference on Grand National Day, Saturday 4 April.
The early front runner and odds on favourite with the bookmakers is Sir Keir Starmer. But another fancied runner, Rebecca Long-Bailey, appears to be struggling to get out of the stalls.
At the same time as Labour's ruling national executive was drawing up the election timetable, a senior source loyal to Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News the Long-Bailey camp was "panicking that they haven't got enough support".
Another source, admittedly a supporter of a rival candidate, told Sky News: "I hear Wrong Daily's campaign is in chaos."
At the launch of her campaign for deputy leader, Angela Rayner was challenged on claims by some Labour MPs that she and not her close friend and flatmate Ms Long-Bailey should be standing for leader.
It was no secret that they're good friends, she said, and she wasn't going to stand against her. But her confident and relaxed demeanour at her launch and the fact that her friend's campaign is clearly faltering will reinforce the view of those who believe that Ms Rayner and not Ms Long-Bailey would be the better candidate for leader.


skynewspolitics--2020-01-06--Halt staff 'sackings' in Labour HQ, leadership candidates urged

The frontrunners in Labour 's leadership contest have joined forces to call for a moratorium on an internal reorganisation that could see some party staff sacked within days .
Jess Phillips , Keir Starmer , Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long-Bailey , who are all either confirmed or likely to stand for leader , and Angela Rayner who is standing for the deputy leadership , appealed to party chiefs to put a halt to any snap reorganisation .
Sky News has seen a letter from the Unite and GMB to the leadership and deputy leadership contenders urging them to put their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to any `` purge '' of staff members before a new leader is chosen .
This will add heft to the growing campaign to stop rapid changes after Labour 's disastrous election campaign .
Some Labour staff members received emails that week from the human resources department saying they were at risk of redundancies .
Jeremy Corbyn 's chief of staff Karie Murphy and the party 's general secretary Jennie Formby are reportedly drafting a major overhaul of party structures before he steps down in the spring .
The plans could include reducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour headquarters and replacing regional staff with community organisers .
The decision by Unite and GMB to send the letter is significant , as both unions could have a big influence on the contest .
Leadership candidates are being asked to sign up by lunchtime on Tuesday .
The letter says : `` We feel that any decision on the organisational structure and direction of the Labour Party should be taken after the leadership and deputy leadership contest .
`` All staff appreciate the support that you and other members of parliament have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we would appreciate if you could support the below statement .
Ideally if you could let myself and Paul know by 12 noon tomorrow we would be most grateful . ''
The statement says : `` The 2019 General Election was a disastrous result for the country and our party .
There are vital lessons we must learn politically and organisationally if we are to deliver Labour to power at the next election .
There are no easy answers , no one individual or section of our movement holds the key .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ new leader and deputy leader .
Throughout the contest we will debate the future of our Party , what we got right and where we need to change .
`` That is an important part of Labour 's democracy - making sure all voices are heard .
Our newly elected leaders , must set out their vision for the future and once elected work across our movement with our trade unions , affiliates , National Executive , activists , councillors , members and voters to plan that path back to government .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership campaigns we firmly believe that a thorough review should be the duty and responsibility of the next leadership team when a full and frank debate has taken place .
`` It would be a mistake for the party to undertake any steps towards reorganisation of the party until a new leader and deputy leader are in place . ''
Ms Nandy said : `` Decisions on the future structure of the Labour Party should not be made in haste .
We need to listen and learn the lessons from this election defeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take change from the top to the bottom of the Labour Party but we must do it together and in the right way . ''
Mrs Phillips said : `` This statement from Unite and GMB has my full support .
Staff deserve better and the new leadership team will want to make a fresh start .
I am particularly concerned about rumoured changes to our regional offices .
They 're the backbone to successful campaigns .
Learning lessons from our defeat means listening to our front line staff , not hurriedly pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rayner said : `` Any big reorganisation ahead of a new leadership team coming forward would be very regrettable at this moment in time and questionable as to why we 'd want to do that . ''
A spokesperson for Ms Long-Bailey , said : `` If these reports are true then no decisions must be made in haste and it would be misguided for restructuring to take place before the installation of the next leader of the party , and any changes must be subject to full consultation with trade unions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign said : `` Keir wholeheartedly supports this statement .
Hard working staff need immediate reassurance , not a rushed reorganisation .
It 's important any structural changes to the Labour Party are undertaken by the new leadership team following a full consultation with staff and trade unions . ''
Labour sources say organisational review is common after a general election but that nothing has been decided or that anyone is being `` fired '' .
Any changes would be subject to consultation with the relevant trade unions .

The frontrunners in Labour's leadership contest have joined forces to call for a moratorium on an internal reorganisation that could see some party staff sacked within days.
Jess Phillips, Keir Starmer, Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long-Bailey, who are all either confirmed or likely to stand for leader, and Angela Rayner who is standing for the deputy leadership, appealed to party chiefs to put a halt to any snap reorganisation.
Sky News has seen a letter from the Unite and GMB to the leadership and deputy leadership contenders urging them to put their name to the statement urging a halt to any "purge" of staff members before a new leader is chosen.
This will add heft to the growing campaign to stop rapid changes after Labour's disastrous election campaign. Some Labour staff members received emails that week from the human resources department saying they were at risk of redundancies.
Jeremy Corbyn's chief of staff Karie Murphy and the party's general secretary Jennie Formby are reportedly drafting a major overhaul of party structures before he steps down in the spring.
The plans could include reducing the analytics team and election teams at Labour headquarters and replacing regional staff with community organisers.
The decision by Unite and GMB to send the letter is significant, as both unions could have a big influence on the contest.
Leadership candidates are being asked to sign up by lunchtime on Tuesday.
Image: Mr Corbyn with Karie Murphy, who is reported to be drafting huge changes
The letter says: "We feel that any decision on the organisational structure and direction of the Labour Party should be taken after the leadership and deputy leadership contest.
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"All staff appreciate the support that you and other members of parliament have shown over the last weeks and months and we would appreciate if you could support the below statement. Ideally if you could let myself and Paul know by 12 noon tomorrow we would be most grateful."
The statement says: "The 2019 General Election was a disastrous result for the country and our party. There are vital lessons we must learn politically and organisationally if we are to deliver Labour to power at the next election. There are no easy answers, no one individual or section of our movement holds the key.
"There are presently elections for a new leader and deputy leader. Throughout the contest we will debate the future of our Party, what we got right and where we need to change.
"That is an important part of Labour's democracy - making sure all voices are heard. Our newly elected leaders, must set out their vision for the future and once elected work across our movement with our trade unions, affiliates, National Executive, activists, councillors, members and voters to plan that path back to government.
"As candidates in the leadership and deputy leadership campaigns we firmly believe that a thorough review should be the duty and responsibility of the next leadership team when a full and frank debate has taken place.
"It would be a mistake for the party to undertake any steps towards reorganisation of the party until a new leader and deputy leader are in place."
Ms Nandy said: "Decisions on the future structure of the Labour Party should not be made in haste. We need to listen and learn the lessons from this election defeat and rebuild from there. It will take change from the top to the bottom of the Labour Party but we must do it together and in the right way."
Mrs Phillips said: "This statement from Unite and GMB has my full support. Staff deserve better and the new leadership team will want to make a fresh start. I am particularly concerned about rumoured changes to our regional offices. They're the backbone to successful campaigns. Learning lessons from our defeat means listening to our front line staff, not hurriedly pushing them out the door."
Mrs Rayner said: "Any big reorganisation ahead of a new leadership team coming forward would be very regrettable at this moment in time and questionable as to why we'd want to do that."
A spokesperson for Ms Long-Bailey, said: "If these reports are true then no decisions must be made in haste and it would be misguided for restructuring to take place before the installation of the next leader of the party, and any changes must be subject to full consultation with trade unions."
A spokesperson for Mr Starmer's campaign said: "Keir wholeheartedly supports this statement. Hard working staff need immediate reassurance, not a rushed reorganisation. It's important any structural changes to the Labour Party are undertaken by the new leadership team following a full consultation with staff and trade unions."
Labour sources say organisational review is common after a general election but that nothing has been decided or that anyone is being "fired". Any changes would be subject to consultation with the relevant trade unions.