Reeves weeps in Parliament as Starmer fails to back her staying in No 11

A visibly emotional Chancellor Rachel Reeves left the Commons in tears during Prime Minister’s Questions today, as Sir Keir Starmer faced a bruising backlash over his welfare U-turn.

In a dramatic Commons session, Chancellor Rachel Reeves was seen crying beside Prime Minister Keir Starmer, triggering fresh speculation over tensions at the heart of government. The emotional moment unfolded as Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch accused the Prime Minister of using Reeves as a “human shield” while he struggled to defend his retreat on welfare reforms.

The Labour leader is facing internal revolt after abandoning proposed benefit cuts meant to save £5 billion by the end of the Parliament. The revised plan will now cost taxpayers an additional £100 million, piling pressure on Reeves to explain how Labour will plug growing gaps in the public finances.

Reeves’ tears followed reports of a private clash with Starmer ahead of PMQs and a separate rebuke from Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who allegedly criticised her long answers during Treasury questions earlier in the week. Downing Street and the Chancellor's office have declined to comment on the exact cause, calling it a “personal matter”.

Reeves was comforted by her sister, Labour minister Ellie Reeves, as she left the chamber. Starmer, seated next to her, did not appear to acknowledge her distress.

As MPs looked on, Badenoch told the House: “Ms Reeves looks absolutely miserable… She is a human shield for Starmer's incompetence.” The Prime Minister sidestepped calls to confirm Reeves’ job security, instead defending Labour’s record on transport investment and social programmes.

Despite official assurances that Reeves remains in post with Starmer’s full backing, market reaction was swift. Interest rates on government gilts jumped, and the pound dropped sharply, signalling investor concern over the government’s fiscal direction.

The benefits U-turn came just 90 minutes before a crucial vote, with ministers agreeing that controversial disability payment changes will not be finalised until after a review. Even so, 44 Labour MPs supported a critical amendment, while 49 defied the leadership during a later vote.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner reportedly brokered the truce with rebels, fuelling speculation she is positioning herself as a potential leadership contender. She later denied any ambitions to replace Starmer, telling ITV’s Lorraine: “It would age me by 10 years.”

The incident raises new questions about unity at the top of government, just one year after Labour’s landslide victory. The Prime Minister’s authority appears fragile as senior figures jockey for position and public confidence in economic stewardship is tested.