PM needs to make 'bold' decisions on defence spending, says Carns

The prime minister needs to make "bold and courageous" decision to fund defence, Al Carns has said, the day after he resigned as the armed forces minister.

Speaking to the BBC, he said he didn't believe enough money had been provided and that an investment plan, which is yet to be published, lacked innovation.

Carns' resignation came shortly after John Healey also stepped down as defence secretary , accusing the prime minister of being "unable" to spend enough to keep the country safe.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said he was "sad" to see Healey go but added that he had "faith" in the prime minister and chancellor to fund and deliver a defence plan

Asked if he believed Sir Keir would still be the leader by the next election, Kyle did not directly answer but said: "This is a prime minister with a purpose.

The resignations further weaken Sir Keir Starmer, who has been facing questions about his leadership, particularly in the aftermath of poor elections results at the beginning of May.

If Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham wins the by-election in Makerfield he is widely expected to challenge the prime minister for the leadership.

The prime minister now has to decide whether to rewrite his long-delayed defence investment plan (DIP) in the light of criticism from Healey and Carns, or stick by his pledge to publish it ahead of the Nato summit next month.