Reeves's future hangs in the balance amid demands for winter fuel payment U-turn

Sir Keir Starmer is under growing pressure from his own MPs and political opponents to reverse his decision to strip 10 million pensioners of winter fuel payments.

- MILLIE COOKE DAVID MADDOX

The row has exploded after Reform's huge surge in the local elections last week, causing panic among many MPs that Nigel Farage's party could win their seats.

But it has also fuelled speculation that the prime minister could soon be forced to reshuffle his cabinet, with question marks over whether Rachel Reeves can survive as chancellor.

One Labour source suggested: "Rachel is running out of friends.

It is just not working." Others have suggested that if Sir Keir is to reverse the decision on winter fuel cuts, Ms Reeves "would need to be replaced first".

Questions remain over who would be a viable candidate to replace her in the Treasury, as another MP noted that Sir Keir has promised Ms Reeves will be chancellor until the next election. Meanwhile, Downing Street has continued to stand by the chancellor.

It comes as new polling from The Times and Sky News conducted by YouGov - put Reform UK at its highest recorded vote share, sitting seven points ahead of Labour.

Mr Farage's party was on 29 points, while Labour was on 22.

Lagging behind were the Tories on just 17 points, while the Liberal Democrats were on 16.

The anger over the local election results and the fear of Reform seizing power at the next election has brought despair to many MPs.