How much longer will Starmer back Reeves?

It’s not been a happy new year for Sir Keir Starmer. The Prime Minister’s Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq has been forced out following an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh. Siddiq’s job became untenable following questions over links to her aunt, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina. Siddiq has denied wrongdoing and an independent investigation found that she had not breached the Ministerial Code, but it was clear over the weekend that Siddiq’s position was untenable. Starmer, however, bafflingly allowed to her to stay on until yesterday afternoon. ‘Starmer dithered and delayed to protect his close friend,’ says Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. It’s hard to disagree with that assessment.

Although Siddiq is gone, Starmer’s troubles are far from over. The PM is also facing calls to dismiss his Chancellor, Rachel Reeves. So far, Starmer is standing firm. But, following her disastrous Budget, the clouds above Reeves are swirling.