Allies of the Prime Minister believe the Energy Secretary is poised to lead a wave of ministerial resignations if Sir Keir refuses to bow to Andy Burnham's demands to quit.
Most of us can't afford to retire until the state pension starts to pay out, so it's no wonder any increase in the pension age tends to be deeply unpopular.
Sir Keir Starmer last night said HMS Dragon would be sent to the Eastern Mediterranean. But Western officials believe the ship will not be ready to set sail for days.