Broken Chancellor's economic mess is of her own making

I RECENTLY found myself in the unusual position of having a sliver of sympathy for Rachel Reeves, our battered and beleaguered Chancellor of the Exchequer.

- Duncan Barkes

This momentarily lapse took place when her advisers thought it was a good idea to interrupt people's morning routine by getting their boss to address the nation from the Downing Street briefing room at 8.10am.

If we had not been told it was our current Chancellor warning us of an impending destructive and gloomy Budget, you would be forgiven for thinking you were watching a hostage video featuring someone who knew their future was doomed.

And it is. Reeves is in the unfortunate position of carrying the can for this government's disastrous economic record to date. She is fully aware that her boss, Sir Keir Starmer, will dump her whenever necessary to save his own skin.

Despite pledging support for his Chancellor, he is a ruthless operator, who will put his own survival first. Politics is a grubby game where loyalty can disappear in an instant and Reeves knows this.

But her imminent downfall, presumably in the wake of the forthcoming Budget when the PM decides he needs another reshuffle-relaunch, is not just down to the cut and thrust of modern-day politics she has done little to help herself.

WE NOW have a breed of politicians who are often promoted beyond their ability. This is not just unique to the Labour Party, but sadly across the board.