Labour's new deputy leader warns Reeves not to break manifesto pledge and raise taxes

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"Labour's new deputy leader Lucy Powell has warned Rachel Reeves not to break her manifesto pledges and raise taxes, saying voters have to be able to trust the government. After both the chancellor and the prime minister refused to repeat the promise not to hike income tax, national insurance or VAT, Ms Powell said there was no question the party should keep its pledges. She also said it was urgent the government lift the two child benefit cap in full in this month's Budget."

Lucy Powell warned Rachel Reeves not to break manifesto pledges and to avoid raising income tax, national insurance, or VAT, stressing that voters must be able to trust the government. Powell demanded the urgent full removal of the two‑child benefit cap in this month's Budget. Rachel Reeves signaled sweeping tax rises in a pre‑Budget speech, saying everyone will have to contribute. Economists warned that a mix of higher borrowing, sluggish growth and policy U‑turns means the government faces raising taxes or abandoning borrowing rules. The Independent says donations fund reporters to cover developing stories and keeps journalism free from paywalls so reporting remains widely accessible.

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