SMEETH TO CLING ON

Labour MP Ruth Smeeth has given an emotional response to Louise Ellman's resignation.  Smeeth, who is also Jewish, spoke out in an interview published on her social media accounts.  She says she is not ready to give up on Labour (yet) and could well be the last remaining female Jewish MP for Labour after the next election - Corbyn's footsoldiers are currently trying to dislodge Margaret Hodge in Barking.  Smeeth has not been targeted for deselection (yet), but her suggestion that she may vote for Boris Johnson's Brexit deal on Saturday may well be the trigger.