Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has moved swiftly to end mounting speculation about Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ future after she was visibly emotional during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday. Reeves, seen in tears in the Commons, has since received public support from Starmer and senior ministers.
Speaking to the BBC, Starmer insisted that Reeves would remain Chancellor “for a very long time to come”, describing their relationship as being in “lockstep”. His comments aimed to reassure financial markets, which reacted nervously to Wednesday’s events sending the pound tumbling and borrowing costs rising.
While Starmer confirmed that Reeves’ tears were due to a personal matter unrelated to politics, questions remain over an alleged confrontation with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Some MPs suggest an earlier exchange during Treasury questions where Hoyle asked Reeves to keep her answers brief may have contributed to her distress. The Speaker’s office has declined to comment.
The emotional moment came amid a turbulent week for Starmer’s government, which faced internal revolt over proposed changes to disability benefits. Over 120 Labour MPs threatened to rebel against the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reforms, prompting a series of last-minute concessions. The government ultimately shelved key provisions of the bill, stalling any changes until the conclusion of an upcoming review.
In a candid interview with the BBC’s Political Thinking podcast, Starmer admitted mishandling the consultation process with MPs. “We didn’t engage in the way we should have done,” he said, accepting personal responsibility for the discontent.
Despite the chaos, Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to welfare reform, framing himself as a “pragmatist” rather than an ideologue. “Labour politicians come into public life because they care deeply,” he said, emphasizing that reform remains on the agenda.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride also voiced their support for Reeves, praising her resilience.
As the political dust settles, borrowing costs have eased, hinting that Starmer’s reassurance may be stabilizing investor confidence at least for now.
