On Monday morning, the prime minister was preparing to reset relations with MPs after the resignation of his chief aide, Morgan McSweeney.

Just before midday, news broke that Tim Allen, Keir Starmer’s director of communications, had resigned. By lunchtime, it emerged that Anas Sarwar, Labour’s leader in Scotland, was preparing to hold a press conference calling on Starmer to stand down.

The intention was to spark a mutiny. But by late afternoon, cabinet ministers were emerging one by one to back the prime minister. For now, his position appears secure.

Helen Pidd recounts a whirlwind 24 hours in which the prime minister fought to save his career.