Letter signed by 25 rebel MPs claims approach from the top is ‘increasingly unpopular’ with public

Union leaders and 25 Labour MPs have urged Keir Starmer to end a “narrow, factional agenda” within the Labour party.

A letter signed by the MPs, by the leaders of several Labour-affiliated trade unions and by campaign groupings within the party, claimed the approach from the top was “increasingly unpopular with the public”.

• Former Juventus head coach replaces Thomas Frank

• Croatian’s priority to ‘improve our results quickly’

Igor Tudor has been announced as Tottenham’s interim head coach on a deal until the end of the season.

Spurs dismissed Thomas Frank on Wednesday after a dismal display in a 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle a day earlier left the club in 16th position and only five points above the Premier League relegation zone.

• Olly Cracknell one of four changes in the Welsh team

• Doris urges Ireland team to take greater responsibility

The Wales coach, Steve Tandy, has made four changes to his starting XV for the daunting visit of France to the Principality Stadium on Sunday, including Olly Cracknell at No 8 as they seek to arrest a 12-game losing streak in the Six Nations.

Following last weekend’s 48-7 defeat to England, beleaguered Wales have beefed up their pack with the inclusion of Cracknell for a first Six Nations start, and two changes in the front row as the props Rhys Carré and Tomas Francis replace Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin.