9 h. ago ‘Lots of bumps in the road’: Keir Starmer faces testing month before one

From spending review to China audit to assisted dying vote, June’s events have potential to lift or darken Labour moodAs Keir Starmer approaches his first anniversary in Downing Street, there will be several things he wishes he had done differently. But before he can contemplate that July milestone, he faces a busy month strewn with political bear traps.June has proven a difficult time for successive prime ministers: Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak all had to contend with deeply unhappy parliamentary parties reeling from heavy local and European election losses. Continue reading...

Politics

20 h. ago Keir Starmer's muddled politics are reaching their limit. It's time for him to make a choice | Andy Beckett

Veer left or double down on the right? Either way, the prime minister needs to commit and sell it to an impatient electorateAfter less than a year in power, Labour has reached a familiar place. Keir Starmer’s troubled government is at a fork in the road, wondering which direction to follow. With the delivery of its spending review next week after several acrimonious delays, and a Commons vote on its divisive welfare cuts expected later this month, the government’s unity and morale are fragile. The public finances are severely strained, with ever more competing demands, such as for extra defence spending. Though much more energetic than its Tory predecessor, this government often seems opaque, unable to explain its purpose in a compelling way.Many voters and journalists – even more impatient than usual after years of manic politics – are already considering what might replace Starmer’s administration. At barely 20% in the polls, Labour is as unpopular as in its most disliked days und...

Politics

33 h. ago Reeves hits back at spending review critics claiming ‘my choices are Labour choices’

Exclusive: As a cabinet civil war heats up over her spending review, Rachel Reeves has written for The Independent defending her motivations and choices as chancellor

Events

36 h. ago What is Rachel Reeves’ spending review and what might the chancellor announce?

The Independent looks at what the spending review is, why the government has launched one and what is expected to be in it

Politics

37 h. ago Who would be a Chancellor? Rachel Reeves faces some horrible decisions next week

The Spending Review won’t address the big issue - the Chancellor will need to find more money later in the year.

Politics

37 h. ago Tony Blair think tank urges Rachel Reeves to invest billions and not just ‘balance the books’ in spending review

Britain facing cuts after chancellor doubled down on her manifesto pledge not to raise taxes to fund Labour’s spending plans

Economics

44 h. ago London's housing crisis 'should be priority in Spending Review'

London's housing crisis 'should be priority in Spending Review'  BBC

Events

54 h. ago ‘Accept it or you have to walk’: Labour’s UK spending review battles enter final stage

Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces ‘make or break’ moment for government’s pledge to deliver 1.5mn new homes

Events

55 h. ago Reeves announces £15bn for transport outside London ahead of spending review | ITV News

Reeves announces £15bn for transport outside London ahead of spending review | ITV News  ITVX

Economics

61 h. ago UK politics live: Starmer accused of chaos over winter fuel U

Starmer facing questions at PMQs

Politics

62 h. ago UK politics live: Reeves insists no new taxes and vows winter fuel U

Reeves has unveiled billions in investments to upgrade public transport networks

Politics

62 h. ago Millions more pensioners to get winter fuel payments this year, Rachel Reeves confirms after major U

The Chancellor said the changes to winter fuel payments will come into force this year

Economics

62 h. ago Reeves to stick to fiscal rules amid budget wrangles ahead of spending review

The Chancellor said there were ‘good things’ that would not be able to happen due to the tight spending settlement.

Economics

63 h. ago Reeves in fightback against Farage as she unveils £15billion transport deal ahead of spending review: Live

Reeves has unveiled billions in investments to upgrade public transport networks

Economics

63 h. ago Rachel Reeves begs Cabinet to cool war over spending cuts and talks up transport investment

Chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledged ministers will not get 'everything they want' in the spending review due next Wednesday.

Economics

64 h. ago Labour ‘at war’ over Reeves’ spending review amid fears manifesto pledges will be ditched

Chancellor is facing a push to consider wealth taxes instead of cuts before she publishes her spending review next week

Events

64 h. ago Met chief clashes with Rachel Reeves as he appeals to PM for Spending Review funds to fight crime in London

Scotland Yard boss warns of ‘stark choices about which crimes we no longer prioritise’ if the police’s funding plea is ignored

Economics

64 h. ago What are the transport projects being funded in the spending review?

Here the PA news agency looks at some of the schemes being supported.

Economics

64 h. ago Rachel Reeves clashes with Met chief Mark Rowley who appeals to PM for Spending Review funds to fight crime

The Scotland Yard boss has warned of ‘stark choices about which crimes we no longer prioritise’ if the police’s funding plea is ignored

Economics

66 h. ago Rachel Reeves speech LIVE: Chancellor to reveal £15bn boost for the North

Rachel Reeves will announce £15.6billion of funding for transport projects in the North and the Midlands in a major speech ahead of her spending review

Economics