Hugs for cameras but Reeves' 'tough day' has left Starmer's authority 'in tatters'

SIR Keir Starmer was forced to say Rachel Reeves will keep her job for “many years to come”, in a bid to end financial and political turmoil following her tears in Parliament.

- By Jonathan Walker Whitehall Editor

But Labour insiders said the Prime Minister's authority was in tatters. Former cabinet minister Ed Balls warned: “It’s been the worst week for Labour governments for a long time.”

The Chancellor made a surprise appearance alongside the Prime Minister yesterday at the launch of the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan. The pair hugged in a public show of unity.

It came after Sir Keir triggered a slump in the value of the pound and government bonds, by failing to back Ms Reeves on Wednesday as she wept beside him.

He struck a different tone in a London health centre, watched by Ms Reeves and Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The PM said: “It's just fantastic she’s here and none of this would be happening if she hadn’t taken the decisions that she’s taken...and she would take them for many years to come.”

Sir Keir, who celebrates 12 months as Prime Minister tomorrow, insisted he had not meant to undermine Ms Reeves by failing to back her in the face of hostile questioning from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister said he simply hadn’t noticed the Chancellor’s distress during exchanges in the House of Commons.