Overview
- A Downing Street readout said the prime minister warned ministers that recent distractions had shifted focus from serving the public and pressed for one‑team unity.
- In a Mirror interview, Keir Starmer said he will lead Labour into the next general election and reiterated that tackling the cost of living is his priority.
- A YouGov poll for The Times found only 34% of Labour voters want him to remain leader into the next election, with 23% saying he should quit now and 22% saying he should stand down beforehand.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves has dropped a previously signalled income tax rise after improved forecasts, as leaks over Budget plans drew criticism and pre‑Budget measures such as a prescription charge freeze and broader breakfast clubs were trailed.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced asylum system changes that prompted pushback from Labour MPs, while Starmer apologised to Wes Streeting and said he was assured the anonymous briefings did not come from No 10.