Labour leader Keir Starmer has formally initiated access talks with Cabinet secretary Simon Case, signaling preparations for a potential change in government. These discussions, reported by ITV News Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana, are expected to begin by the end of January and will involve senior civil servants and Labour's shadow cabinet ministers. The access talks are a standard procedure in anticipation of a possible transition of power, allowing the potential incoming government to liaise with the civil service on their governance plans. This development comes amid scrutiny of the Conservative Party's position, with concerns highlighted about them holding only 169 seats in the next election.
“With an election looming, the UK's most senior civil servants must get ready for all eventualities.” 🖊️ @sajeraj and @HarryClrke for @NS_Spotlight https://t.co/mxuq1S5kYx
Top civil servants will soon be talking to Labour. This is what they can expect 🔎 Big Read by @singharj https://t.co/CDeHVq8cWj https://t.co/LAh4sTLb2y
Good chatting to @AlexGAThomas from the Inst for Govt about access talks. They’ll involve Cab sec & Starmer but each perm sec & shadow cab minister. Alex says it’s a moment to show they can serve any party but also “build a relationship with the person who might be their boss”
NEW: Labour confirms that Keir Starmer has written to cabinet secretary Simon Case to start access talks as per @AnushkaAsthana. The process is expected to begin before the end of this month.
Starmer requests access to start preparations for possible change in government, writes ITV News' Deputy Political Editor @AnushkaAsthana https://t.co/5bbL00zudt
🚨 BREAKING: Keir Starmer has formally triggered access talks with the civil service to discuss his plans for government with senior officials [@AnushkaAsthana]
News alert. Labour have formally triggered access talks. Means they'll soon be meeting senior civil servants to talk through their plans for government. [Starmer had been holding off]. https://t.co/jCIsw9s8se
EXC: ITV News understands that in the last hour Keir Starmer has written to Cabinet secretary Simon Case to start Labour's "access talks" with civil service. Given PM has okay-ed from govt side (re @breeallegretti) talks expected to start by end of Jan 1/ https://t.co/vVli10ggXR
Delighted to have @ShehabKhan writing an insightful monthly column for @onlinehyphen. Immigration to the UK will be a hot button issue for all political parties this election. https://t.co/sHgXVoScHc
This is just so well written on the Conservative Party by @AllisonPearson. On looking at only 169 seats at the next election: "the comments under articles like this one in The Telegraph no less – has seen this asteroid coming for over 18 months. It is one thing to alienate the… https://t.co/ERCd4q2gAf