Starmer allies expected to be lined up to replace string of retiring Labour MPs

Candidacy applications open for safe seats after six MPs announce retirements with more expected

• UK politics live – latest updates

Labour has opened applications for a string of safe seats after six MPs announced last-minute retirements, with key allies of Keir Starmer expected to be lined up to take their place.

Those standing down include the former shadow minister Barbara Keeley and the chair of the parliamentary Labour party, John Cryer, as well as John Spellar, Virendra Sharma and Kevin Brennan.