The announcement came as Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip overnight killed at least 18 people, including six women and four children.

The Competition and Markets Authority said it was launching its first strategic market status designation investigation.

Dr Suzanne Lucey, 56, allegedly attended the former shadow home secretary’s offices between December 1 2022 and October 13 last year.

Recruitment firm Robert Walters said it has cut more staff as the wider hiring market continues to struggle. It came as the company told investors it no longer expected to make a profit for the year.