Julian Harris: Rachel Reeves Gets a Glimmer of Good News

The fallout from Rachel Reeves’ budget has generated so much noise, so many twists and turns, that it’s remarkable to think that only six days have passed since its delivery. Questions over her future, and indeed the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, continue to echo around both the halls of Westminster and broadcast studios of the capital.

The budget, it’s safe to say, has been something of a flop with the public. Since returning to office, Labour has bulked up pensions, welfare payments and the minimum wage, while doling out handsome pay rises to many public sector staff. And what thanks does it get? Over half the respondents in a YouGov survey said the country will be worse off because of the budget, with 26% planning to vote for Reform. The Labour party stands motionless, on a meagre 19%, facing the appalling prospect of a doctors’ strike in the days before Christmas.