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Downing Street has affirmed that the prime minister is fully supportive of Rachel Reeves following a harrowing appearance in the House of Commons by the chancellor. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer declined to confirm whether Reeves would continue in her role until the next election, while the visibly emotional chancellor sat beside him on the front bench. Despite the unsettling scenes in the Commons, Number 10 stated that Reeves is here to stay, with her spokesperson citing a “personal matter” she was dealing with.
The intense PMQs saw Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticize the government’s recent U-turn on welfare reform, potentially undermining Reeves’ Budget plans. Badenoch suggested that the chancellor would have to raise taxes as a result of his incompetence, questioning whether she would retain her position at the next election. The chancellor’s somber appearance did not go unnoticed, with Badenoch stating that Labour MPs see her as a “human shield for his incompetence.”
Amid the chaos, Sir Keir emphasized that future budgets are not drafted on the spot at the despatch box, focusing on the welfare reform bill’s objectives to boost employment. Despite being pressed on the chancellor’s future, Sir Keir’s press secretary clarified to journalists that Reeves has his unwavering support. Following a late alteration to the welfare reform bill to prevent a backbench rebellion, Reeves’ budget plans may be compromised, jeopardizing her aim to finance day-to-day expenditures through tax revenues.
Allegations have surfaced among Reeves’ colleagues and allies in parliament suggesting that a confrontation with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle may have contributed to her distress. Some have accused him of being brusque with the chancellor in a meeting before PMQs, potentially related to an exchange during Treasury questions earlier in the week. Despite the swirling speculation, no eyewitnesses have come forward to corroborate the claims, as both the chancellor’s team and the Speaker’s office have declined to address the matter
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