Starmer Navigates Cabinet Rumors, Elections Amid PMQ Tussle

0:00On April 29th, Kear Starmer's side-step questions on whether Chancellor Rachel Rees keeps her job amid whispers of a cabinet shake-up. Rumors say he's eyeing Angela Reiner's return next week, even with her tax dispute hanging over her head. This comes as he braces for tough local elections. At Prime Minister's questions, conservative leader Kemi Badanak pressed him hard, jabbing at the ballooning welfare bill while the economy stalls. Starmer hid back, boasting about his record, and teasing a fresh legislative push in next month's King's speech. Labor MPs rebelled anyway, with 14 openly backing a probe into whether Starmer misled parliament over the Mandelson scandal. Up to 50 more ignored the party whip, narrowing the vote-win to 112 votes despite their huge majority. Housing Secretary Steve Reed jumped on TV to defend the team, calling the rebels a tiny fringe, and spotlighting renters' rights reforms dropping. Friday, he stressed 99% unity behind Starmer on real issues.

1:01Meanwhile, the Intelligence and Security Committee wrapped its review of Mandelson's U.S. Ambassador papers, clearing the path for release soon. As elections loom, Starmer's plotting moves to steady the ship through the storm.