Chancellor Rachel Reeves has issued a robust defence of Sir Keir Starmer's premiership, telling restless Labour MPs and ambitious Cabinet colleagues she sees no 'credible alternative' to the Prime Minister. The intervention comes amid growing internal party tensions and a significant slump in the polls.
Shoring Up Support Amidst Speculation
Ms Reeves moved publicly to bolster Sir Keir's position in Number 10. This follows rumours of a potential push by Labour backbenchers to oust him should the party perform poorly in the upcoming May local elections. Appearing on ITV's Peston programme, the Chancellor argued that she and the Prime Minister, elected in a 'massive landslide' 18 months ago, have a clear plan to revitalise the economy.
'In an unstable world, this Government is delivering the stability and investment and reform that is needed,' Ms Reeves stated. She emphatically added, 'We're delivering on our plan. I can't see a credible alternative from anyone else. We stick to the plans, we'll see the benefits.' When questioned directly on the future of the 'Starmer-Reeves duo', she confirmed: 'We are.'
A Series of Damaging Policy Reversals
The Chancellor's show of support arrives at a critical juncture for the Labour leadership. Both the party and Sir Keir personally have seen their approval ratings 'tank' following a string of high-profile policy U-turns. The most recent reversal saw the government row back on plans for mandatory digital ID cards, making them voluntary after months of promoting them as a tool to curb illegal immigration.
This is not an isolated incident. The government is also facing a backlash over a U-turn on proposed pub tax hikes, with Ms Reeves now drawing up a bailout package for thousands of pubs facing collapse. These climbdowns have opened the floodgates to criticism, with mutinous Labour MPs pushing on multiple fronts and even Cabinet ministers reportedly joking about the Prime Minister's inability to stick to policies.
Internal Criticism and Leadership Tensions
The perceived weakness of the Prime Minister is striking given his triumphant entry into Downing Street just 18 months ago with one of the largest Commons majorities in history. Internal dissent is becoming more visible. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, seen as a potential leadership successor, recently mounted a furious defence of civil servants against criticism from within his own party, including from the PM.
Sir Keir had previously spoken of his 'frustration' at the slow pace of change, with a former aide criticising the 'stakeholder state'. Despite the turmoil, the Prime Minister recently vowed he would still be Prime Minister in 2027, arguing that frequent leadership changes are not in the 'national interest'. He pointed to the 'utter chaos' of the previous Conservative government as a cautionary tale.
As the local elections approach, the pressure on Sir Keir Starmer is intensifying. While his Chancellor offers unwavering public support, the rumblings of discontent within Labour's ranks suggest a turbulent period ahead unless the government can regain its footing and public confidence.
