UK politics live: Robert Jenrick promises to make Jacob Rees-Mogg Tory chairman if elected leader

Conservative Party leadership candidate Robert Jenrick would make Jacob Rees-Mogg Tory party chairman (PA Wire)

Robert Jenrick has promised to make Jacob Rees-Mogg Tory party chairman if he wins the Conservative Party leadership election.

Mr Jenrick on Sunday said he would appoint the Boris Johnson loyalist despite him losing his seat in the July election.

“One of my first acts as leader would be to appoint him as chairman of the party so we can truly reform and democratise our party,” Mr Jenrick said.

“Together we will empower members and restore the respect that has been so sorely lacking in recent years,” he added.

Meanwhile, the owner of P&O ferries will attend a key investment summit after Sir Keir Starmer distanced himself from comments by a minister who called the firm a “cowboy operator”.

After efforts by Downing Street to smooth relations, it is understood that DP World will now attend Monday’s gathering, despite the row over Louise Haigh’s comments about the firm.

It comes as scores of Labour MPs have urged Rachel Reeves to embrace spending tens of billions more on ailing public services ahead of the budget.

1728886628

Keir Starmer vows to scrap regulation to woo investors at business summit

Sir Keir Starmer will pledge to slash regulation that “needlessly holds back investment” at a key business conference today.

The Labour government will unveil investment deals worth billions in AI, life sciences and infrastructure at its first International Investment Summit.

A row over criticism of P&O Ferries that reportedly jeopardised a £1 billion investment by its Dubai-based owner DP World has been smoothed over, with the company saying it will attend the conference.

The government is eager to show it is making progress on its mission to deliver economic growth after marking 100 days in office and ahead of the chancellor’s first Budget on October 30.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has warned of “tough decisions” at the spending review as Labour says it needs to plug a £22 billion “black hole” in the public finances left by the Conservatives.

The government says that international investment will help with its goals to create jobs, improve living standards, and make communities and families across the country better off.

It will ask the Competition and Markets Authority to prioritise growth, investment and innovation and will review the focus of other major regulators to “curb red tape” and put the UK “at the front of the queue” for opportunities.

In a keynote speech at the summit, Sir Keir is expected to pitch Britain as a stable bet for investors, saying he will “do everything in my power to galvanise growth including getting rid of regulation that needlessly holds back investment”.

Salma Ouaguira14 October 2024 07:17

1728885600

Keir Starmer’s popularity hits record low as voters turn on Labour after 100 days

Alexander Butler14 October 2024 07:00

1728874800

Tory centrists should back Kemi Badenoch and not boycott leadership vote, urges party grandee

Alexander Butler14 October 2024 04:00

1728867600

How will Starmer’s new Council of the Nations and Regions tackle the challenges of power-sharing?

Alexander Butler14 October 2024 02:00

1728860460

Kemi Badenoch handed £5,000 by councillor who dismissed ‘grossly exaggerated’ Grenfell concerns

Alexander Butler14 October 2024 00:01

1728853202

Government apologises for accidentally leaking email address of one of world’s richest men

Alexander Butler13 October 2024 22:00

1728846002

How Jenrick’s team tricked five Cleverly supporters to reach Tory leadership last two

Alexander Butler13 October 2024 20:00

1728838802

Keir Starmer admits Labour’s first 100 days in power have been a ‘bumpy road’

Keir Starmer admits Labour’s first 100 days in power have been a ‘bumpy road’

Sir Keir Starmer described Labour’s first 100 days in power as “bumpy” but said he is “happy” with what his party has achieved so far. The prime minister referenced “bumps and sidewinds” in the first three months in government, referring to the Labour donation row and the Sue Gray saga, when he appeared on the BBC’s Newcast, released today (12 October). Sir Keir said investment in the UK from companies such as Amazon, is proof that Labour’s “tough decisions” on the economy are beginning to “trigger investment”. The prime minister said: “This is proof to me that the steps we are taking are having effect.”

Alexander Butler13 October 2024 18:00

1728833402

‘Warning shot’ to ministers over legal aid as barristers raise threat of industrial action

Alexander Butler13 October 2024 16:30

1728829937

Starmer to unveil investment deals

Sir Keir Starmer will pledge to get rid of regulation that “needlessly holds back investment” at a major business conference on Monday.

The Government is expected to unveil investment deals worth billions in AI, life sciences and infrastructure at its first International Investment Summit.

A row over criticism of P&O Ferries that reportedly jeopardised a £1 billion investment by its Dubai-based owner DP World has been smoothed over, with the company saying it will attend the conference.

The Government is eager to show it is making progress on its mission to deliver economic growth after marking 100 days in office and ahead of the Chancellor’s first Budget on October 30.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has warned of “tough decisions” at the spending review as Labour says it needs to plug a £22 billion “black hole” in the public finances left by the Conservatives.

Alexander Butler13 October 2024 15:32