Starmer Backs Chancellor Reeves After Emotional Commons Session Amid Fiscal U-Turns

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly affirmed that Finance Minister Rachel Reeves will remain in her role for "a very long time to come" despite speculation following her tearful appearance in parliament amidst controversy over welfare spending cuts. Reeves was seen crying during Prime Minister's Questions, which Starmer and her office attributed to a private personal matter unrelated to politics. The emotional moment coincided with Starmer's government reversing key welfare cuts after a rebellion within his own party, creating a nearly £5 billion shortfall in the Treasury's budget plans. Starmer emphasized his full backing of Reeves, praising her performance as Chancellor and asserting their close working relationship. However, some commentators criticized Starmer for not showing stronger support publicly during Reeves's moment of vulnerability, especially given the political pressures she faces as the second most important official in the Cabinet. The welfare U-turn and subsequent budgetary challenges have been viewed as a setback to Starmer's authority and have intensified scrutiny on Reeves's future, though the Prime Minister has dismissed rumors of her dismissal.