Starmer backs Reeves after chancellor cries in Commons following welfare revolt
- Keir Starmer has publicly supported chancellor Rachel Reeves after she was crying and appeared visibly distressed in parliament.
- Reeves' distress followed government U-turns on welfare reforms, which created a deficit in her budget plans.
- The welfare reform bill passed only after measures intended to generate long-term savings were removed.
- Some Labour MPs have criticised Ms Reeves for pushing for billions of pounds in savings through benefits cuts, which they deemed harsh and detrimental to vulnerable groups.
- Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch said Ms Reeves looked “absolutely miserable” and questioned her future in the role, prompting Sir Keir’s press secretary to reiterate the prime minister's full confidence in her.