Former French PM Philippe in favour of early presidential election. Follow our liveblog

In a surprising turn of events, fifteen Tory councillors have decided to defect to the Reform party this morning. This shift not only highlights growing discontent within the Conservative ranks but also signals a potential reshaping of the political landscape in the UK. Such defections can influence upcoming elections and party dynamics, making it a significant development for both parties and their supporters.

Former French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe has called for early presidential elections as France grapples with a deepening political crisis. He described the current situation as 'distressing' and emphasized the need for cross-party support to stabilize the cabinet. This call for elections highlights the urgency of addressing the political instability that could impact governance and public confidence in leadership.

Sébastien Lecornu's resignation has plunged France into a significant political crisis, dominating headlines across the nation and drawing international attention. This turmoil not only highlights the instability within French politics but also reflects broader European concerns about governance. Meanwhile, Israel is marking the second anniversary of the October 7th attacks, stirring discussions about its ongoing legacy and the pro-Palestinian marches in London, which further complicate the geopolitical landscape. This situation is crucial as it underscores the interconnectedness of political events across Europe and the Middle East.

Job centre staff are facing overwhelming challenges as they struggle to provide personalized support for disabled individuals seeking employment. With some coaches managing caseloads of up to 200 people, the government's push for tailored assistance seems increasingly difficult to achieve. This situation highlights the urgent need for more resources and support to ensure that disabled individuals have equal opportunities in the job market.

France is facing a significant political crisis as legislative gridlock and a budget crisis have led to the downfall of yet another Prime Minister. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges within the French government and raises concerns about the stability of leadership in the country. The implications of this crisis could affect not only domestic policies but also France's role in the European Union.

African football chief Patrice Motsepe expressed strong confidence that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will proceed in Morocco, despite ongoing protests against the government. These protests, driven by young Moroccans seeking an end to corruption and political change, have been ongoing for over a week. Motsepe's assurance is significant as it highlights the resilience of sporting events even amid social unrest, emphasizing the importance of football in uniting communities and providing a platform for expression.

A viral social media post falsely claims that French President Emmanuel Macron is allocating nearly 150 million euros for a luxury underground bunker to protect the elite from an impending World War III. This misinformation, allegedly sourced from Tracfin, a French financial watchdog, is likely part of a disinformation campaign by a Russian network known as Storm-1516. This matters because it highlights the ongoing battle against fake news and the potential influence of foreign entities on public perception.

In a significant political move, French President Emmanuel Macron has given Sébastien Lecornu a 48-hour deadline to form a new government following the resignation of the Prime Minister. This situation is crucial as it highlights the urgency to resolve the current political deadlock, with Macron hinting at the possibility of calling snap parliamentary elections if no solution is reached by Wednesday night. The outcome of this situation could have major implications for France's political landscape.

France is facing a significant political crisis following the resignation of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who stepped down just a month into his term. This unexpected move, occurring shortly after a new government was announced, has left President Emmanuel Macron with limited options and has raised concerns about the stability of his administration. Eléonore Caroit, a member of Macron's Renaissance party, emphasizes the importance of finding a way forward rather than calling for snap elections, highlighting the need for maturity in navigating this turbulent political landscape.

Despite a general decline in religious affiliation in France, evangelicalism is experiencing significant growth, with a million believers and a new church opening every ten days. Recently, nearly 90 rallies took place across the country, highlighting the movement's increasing visibility. The recent rally in Bordeaux was one of the largest, aiming to firmly establish evangelicalism in the public eye. This trend is noteworthy as it reflects a shift in the religious landscape of France, showcasing the resilience and expansion of evangelical communities.

The recent resignation of France's Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, just a month into his term, has intensified the ongoing political crisis in the country. His departure, following the announcement of a new government that alienated a key coalition ally, leaves President Emmanuel Macron with limited options to stabilize the situation. This turmoil is significant as it marks Lecornu as the shortest-serving prime minister in the history of the Fifth Republic, highlighting the instability in French politics since the 2024 snap elections.

In a recent interview, political strategist Hind Ziane discussed the ongoing political crisis in France, emphasizing that coalitions are not a viable solution due to the country's lack of a coalition tradition. She advocates for returning to the will of the people through elections to establish a majority. This perspective is significant as it highlights the challenges France faces in navigating its political landscape and the potential need for a more direct democratic approach.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick is facing backlash for labeling Handsworth as the 'worst-integrated' area in Birmingham. His comments have sparked significant criticism, highlighting ongoing discussions about community integration and social cohesion in the region. This matters because it brings attention to the challenges faced by diverse communities and the importance of fostering unity in urban areas.

In a shocking incident, Judge Astrit Kalaja was shot dead in a courtroom in Tirana during a trial, leaving two others injured. This tragic event highlights the growing concerns over safety in judicial settings and raises questions about the security measures in place for legal proceedings. The implications of such violence can undermine public trust in the justice system and provoke discussions about the need for reforms to protect those who serve in the judiciary.

The Conservatives, led by shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, have announced plans to abolish the Sentencing Council, proposing to shift control of sentencing policy directly to ministers. This move has raised concerns about the potential for political influence over judicial decisions, which could undermine the independence of the legal system. The implications of this change could significantly affect how justice is administered in the UK, sparking debate about the balance between political oversight and judicial independence.

In a surprising turn of events, fifteen Tory councillors have decided to defect to the Reform party this morning. This shift not only highlights growing discontent within the Conservative ranks but also signals a potential reshaping of the political landscape in the UK. Such defections can influence upcoming elections and party dynamics, making it a significant development for both parties and their supporters.

In a critical moment for French politics, President Macron has requested outgoing Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to remain in his position for an additional 48 hours to persuade lawmakers amidst ongoing political turmoil. This situation is further complicated by Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, advocating for the dissolution of parliament and subsequent elections. This development is significant as it highlights the challenges Macron faces in maintaining stability within his government and the potential shifts in the political landscape.

The ongoing ceasefire talks in Egypt between Hamas and mediators have created a hopeful atmosphere, as reported by local media. This development is significant as it comes on the two-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel, highlighting the urgency for peace in the region. The discussions aim to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has affected countless lives. The positive tone of the negotiations suggests that there may be a path forward, offering a glimmer of hope for a resolution.