Rachel Reeves was visibly upset in the House of Commons this afternoon as she sat next to Sir Keir Starmer during Prime Minister’s Questions.
The Chancellor’s position is under intense scrutiny following the Government’s humiliating U-turn on welfare cuts in the face of a rebellion by Labour MPs.
During the Commons exchanges between Sir Keir and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch on Wednesday, tears were seen rolling down Ms Reeves’ cheeks.
But, asked about her upset appearance, a spokesman for the Chancellor said it was a ‘personal matter’ that ‘we are not going to get into’.
Downing Street said Ms Reeves had Sir Keir’s ‘full backing’ and, despite speculation about her future, the PM’s press secretary added: ‘The Chancellor is going nowhere.’
Here’s how a dramatic PMQs unfolded…
11.59am – Rachel Reeves is seen taking her seat in the Commons ahead of PMQs. Her eyes appear puffy.
An MP behind her taps her on the shoulder – perhaps asking if she is ok – before receiving a reply from the Chancellor.
Ms Reeves then cracks a smile as she talks to Sir Keir Starmer on the Labour front bench.
12.12pm – Ms Reeves responds after Tory leader Kemi Badenoch notes how the Chancellor ‘looks absolutely miserable’.
12.13pm – A tear rolls down Ms Reeves’ face.
It came as Sir Keir failed to provide an answer to Mrs Badenoch’s question about whether the Chancellor would remain in post until the next general election.
12.31pm – Ms Reeves’ bottom lip wobbles and tears roll down both her cheeks as the PM answers a question from Glasgow North MP Martin Rhodes.
12.37pm – The Chancellor leaves the House of Commons chamber after PMQs finishes.
Ms Reeves’ sister, Ellie Reeves, took her hand in an apparent show of support.
