Such sentiments are not confined to the left, however. “She is no more a Labour MP now than she ever was,” another Labour MP on the right, granted anonymity to speak frankly, told POLITICO after Elphicke’s apology. A third MP, who is a shadow minister, said: “Those who were already very unhappy about the defection … Read more
Laura Trott, Hunt’s deputy at the U.K. Treasury, has dismissed allegations of foul play as “an excuse to try and wriggle out of Labour’s disastrous £28 billion of unfunded spending.” But in truth Treasury ministers have always looked for ways to hobble their successors — especially in the run-up to an election. George Osborne, the … Read more
A Labour spokesperson said Friday evening that the party’s plans would “create good jobs in all parts of the country” and that the opposition represented the “party of business and stability for their investments” “We have been consistent that a proper windfall tax means raising the rate of the windfall tax to match the rate … Read more
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the party’s plans would be funded through an extension of the windfall tax on oil and gas producers, bringing in £2.2 billion a year, along with £2.6 billion per year in additional borrowing. Labour hope the stripped back spending plan will blunt Conservative attacks over its economic policy. Prime Minister … Read more
A senior Labour frontbencher has confirmed the party will backtrack on its commitment to spend £28bn a year on green investment schemes, after weeks of confusion. Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves made the pledge at the party conference back in 2021, but since then it has been steadily scaled back. First, it became an ambition, not … Read more
In a bid to win the next general election, set to be held before January 2025, the Labour Party has promised to restore the UK’s business reputation. After being propelled into economic failure while being led by the Conservative Party, in recent years, the UK has seen business confidence at an all-time low. Rachel Reeves, … Read more
Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. LONDON — It was meant to be the year two quiet technocrats, Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, brought calm to the fevered Westminster swamp. Unfortunately SW1 didn’t get the memo. Politics remained pretty much as wild in 2023 as it has been since David Cameron — back in action as U.K. foreign secretary … Read more
Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. LONDON — Plots, bills and parties give way Monday to family — and ritual. The little traditions we make for ourselves on Christmas Day pause time and briefly silence the rattle of the outside world. POLITICO London Playbook sent out the call for Westminster’s … Read more
