“The question now is whether Sir Keir leaves in a manner of his choosing or is dragged into a contest that would wound Labour and distract the country”

Time, it seems, is running out for Sir Keir Starmer.

A prime minister can survive bad polls, bitter briefings and bruising by-elections. He cannot survive when his own side stops believing he can lead them through the next storm.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle’s admission that it would be “delusional” to deny the forces moving against him said what Downing Street could not. The authority has weakened.

The question now is whether Sir Keir leaves in a manner of his choosing or is dragged into a contest that would wound Labour and distract the country. He deserves credit for returning Labour to power and ending years of Tory chaos. But politics is ruthless, and governing demands more than past achievement.

After Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster, an increasing number of Labour MPs have made their calculation. Mr Starmer must make his.

If he truly believes in service before self, Monday could bring a clean timetable, a calm handover and no bitterness.

Land of the free

Donald Trump loves America to be called the land of the free. He may be less keen on the free speech now echoing around its World Cup stadiums.

For years, Trump has tried to distance himself from Jeffrey Epstein, his disgraced former friend. But supporters from England, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand have carried that association onto a global stage with chants no White House aide can spin away.

This is what happens when politics meets the terraces. The carefully managed rallies, soft ball interviews and obedient interviewers vanish.

In their place comes the brutal verdict of ordinary people with loud voices and long memories. If Trump is too thin-skinned to face football fans, he should not expect to lift football’s greatest prize.

Champagne for divorce

After 23 years and two daughters, Tess Daly and Vernon Kay are doing something all too rare in the public eye: divorcing like grown-ups.

No solicitors’ fees racking up, no mudslinging, just a cheap online split, shared champagne and continued friendship. No fighting over the £6 million pot, no bitterness, just two adults parting as friends.

More couples should take note.