Sir Keir Starmer and the Chancellor Rachel Reeves have abandoned plans to raise income tax rates, performing a major U-turn less than two weeks before the budget. The move follows intense pressure inside Downing Street after fears of a backlash from Labour MPs and voters. The Financial Times first reported the shift, which comes after several difficult days for the government and growing concern about breaking a key manifesto pledge. […]

Sir Keir Starmer has denied ever authorising personal attacks on members of his cabinet, calling recent anonymous briefings against them “unacceptable.” Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions, he said such behaviour had no place in government, following claims that his allies had briefed the press about possible leadership challenges. Reports suggested Health Secretary Wes Streeting could be positioning himself for a leadership bid, something he’s dismissed as “totally untrue.” Streeting has […]

Allies of the Prime Minister have dismissed talk of a leadership challenge, insisting Sir Keir Starmer will fight off any attempt to remove him. Reports in The Times suggest some within Labour may push for a change following the Chancellor’s autumn budget. Sources close to Starmer say he’s aware of unease within the party, particularly after the election of Lucy Powell as deputy leader — seen by some as the […]