UK PM Starmer Affirms Reeves as Long-Term Chancellor Amid Political Uncertainty

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has publicly affirmed that Rachel Reeves will remain Chancellor for the foreseeable future, despite her emotional moment during Prime Minister's Questions and recent political pressures. Reeves was seen tearful in the Commons amid criticism over a costly welfare U-turn that created a nearly £5 billion gap in her plans, leading to speculation about her tenure. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused Reeves of being a "human shield" for Starmer's perceived indecisiveness and incompetence, while Starmer declined to explicitly confirm Reeves would stay until the next election but emphasized her importance to their shared project to transform the Labour Party and win an election. Allies and Downing Street have insisted Reeves is dealing with a personal matter unrelated to politics and that she has the Prime Minister's full backing. The controversy has raised questions about Reeves potentially becoming the shortest-serving Labour Chancellor, although both the Treasury and No 10 have dismissed such rumors. Additionally, Starmer did not rule out future tax increases to address financial consequences stemming from the welfare policy reversal.