Overview

• Labour's initial months in power have been marked by controversies, including the acceptance of gifts by senior officials and a backlash over cuts to the winter fuel payment.
• Keir Starmer has reshuffled his team, replacing Sue Gray with Morgan McSweeney as chief of staff to improve political strategy and decision-making.
• The government is preparing for a challenging budget aimed at boosting living standards and reviving the NHS, despite the need for difficult economic decisions.
• Internal tensions have surfaced, with Labour's new MPs feeling sidelined and a lack of experience in governing causing early missteps.
• Starmer aims to focus on economic competence and delivering key reforms, while managing public expectations and internal party dynamics.