Starmer's U-turn on welfare may prove a pivotal moment

Usually, in politics, a U-turn is the right thing to do. If a leader changes from an unpopular policy to a more popular one, they tend to emerge embarrassed but strengthened.

- JOHN RENTOUL CHIEF POLITICAL COMMENTATOR

This U-turn - a bid to stave off a mass rebellion over plans to cut £5bn from the benefits bill - is different. Mainly because Keir Starmer has switched to a policy that is more popular with his MPs but less popular with the voters. It will be particularly unpopular with the voters when they have to pay for it in higher taxes.

The concessions announced by Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, last night will be enough to overcome the Labour revolt on Tuesday and the remaining votes the following week. Meg Hillier, the rebel leader, has described Kendall's plan as a "good and workable compromise", and so will presumably be withdrawing her wrecking amendment, which attracted the signatures of nearly one-third of Labour MPs.

But there is a price to be paid, and not just in the billions that will now not be saved from the growing disability benefits budget. There will be a personal price to be paid by Starmer: the clock on his time as prime minister is running down faster than I ever thought it could.