Tue, 25 Nov 2025

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 Rachel Reeves will be hoping this Budget buys her some time

Deep unpopularity in the country and jittery Labour MPs is the prism through which both the countdown to this Budget and its aftermath should be seen.
She'll aim to achieve this by:
* Freezing some rail fares
* Introducing smaller tax rises on specific groups of people (such as farmers) However, increasing taxes could raise living costs for those with higher tax bills. The Chancellor will try to balance the budget cuts with measures to help alleviate cost-of-living pressures. The Budget has been shrouded in speculation and leaks due to its unusual timing, with many believing it's a landmark moment for the government. Opinion polls show Labour is deeply unpopular, and the economy continues to stutter. Labour MPs are increasingly restless, feeling the party's unpopularity in their bones, inboxes, and conversations with constituents. Some privately admit the current situation is unsustainable and anticipate defeat at the next general election. The Chancellor has acknowledged that this Budget will be a make-or-break moment for her and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who face pressure from their own MPs to deliver results.
  >>