No reason Abbott can't stand in general election as a Labour candidate, says Rayner

Corbyn: I'll challenge inequality and poverty as Independent

Jeremy Corbyn has said he 'did everything [he] could' to remain within the Labour Party, and will always support its movement despite running as an Independent candidate for Islington North. He paid tribute to both Diana Abbott and Faiza Shaheen, describing their treatment by the party as 'appalling and disgraceful'. Report by Alibhaiz. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Diane Abbott 'free' to stand as Labour candidate in election

Sir Keir Starmer says Diane Abbott is "free to go forward" as a Labour candidate in the election. Ms Abbott had the whip restored on Tuesday but media reports said she had been banned from standing as a Labour candidate at the next election. Report by Czubalam. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Labour's Peter Kyle promises fair inquiry into Abbott

Labour's shadow science secretary, Peter Kyle, said the party aimed to handle the investigation into Diane Abbott's comments fairly. Kyle stated that the NEC would ensure all representatives meet the high standards set by Sir Keir Starmer, adding that the issue would be resolved within days, allowing Labour to focus on a platform of change for the upcoming election. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer: No decision has been made to bar Diane Abbott

Sir Keir Starmer says “no decision has been made” to bar Diane Abbott from standing as a candidate for the Labour Party in July. The Labour leader denies that he is blocking left-wingers standing a for his party, saying “I want the highest-quality candidates”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Government: We must end an era of divisive politics

Reacting to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, Lisa Nandy has described the past decade and a half of politics as “the most divisive” in her memory. The culture secretary has said that Labour is committed to putting an end to this, and to restore respect in politics and politicians. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Shadow Defence sec criticises delay in defence spending hike

Holding a review before deciding how to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP is "damaging for the armed forces", the shadow defence secretary has said. James Cartlidge, who was appointed to the shadow cabinet on Monday said: What we've got from Labour today is dither and delay, whereas Keir Starmer has the opportunity to be firm, instead I'm afraid he has been indecisive." Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer's key team arrive ahead of cabinet meeting

Sir Keir Starmer's team have begun arriving at ahead of a cabinet meeting at Number 10 later this morning. Deputy PM Angela Rayner, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Chief Whip Sir Alan Campbell were all seen arriving at Downing Street. Report by Etemadil. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Rayner arrives at Downing St. ahead of Cabinet appointments

Angela Rayner has arrived at Downing Street as new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer begins to appoint his Cabinet. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Angela Rayner: Exit poll is encouraging

Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner has reacted to the general election exit poll, shortly after it was published at 10pm on Thursday. Ms Rayner described the exit poll predicting a 170-seat majority for her party as “encouraging.” Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer: Material difference in Rayner and Tory gambling

Sir Keir Starmer insists there is a “material difference” between investigations into Conservative candidates and officials and the former police probe into Angela Rayner. The Labour leader says: "The Tories caught up in this gambling escapade are openly admitting that they did it." Greater Manchester Police dropped the investigation in May and concluded Ms Rayner would face no further police action. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Angela Rayner sets out Labour's plan for more houses

Angela Rayner says she is "looking forward" to showing what Labour can deliver, as she sets out her party's pledge to build more houses and protect tenants. The deputy Labour leader adds, "I relish the opportunity to prove to people why they elected me". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn