Rachel Reeves targeted by Kemi Badenoch jibe in tense PMQs clash

Sir Keir Starmer did not rule out sacking Rachel Reeves after a brutal jibe by Kemi Badenoch at PMQs. The Tory leader called on the Prime Minister to “reshuffle” the Chancellor as she grilled the Prime Minister in the Commons.

Mrs Badenoch said: “He’s got a welfare plan until 2031, but he’s not produced a defence investment plan, we have gone backwards on defence under him, because we are borrowing to pay for welfare.

“Yesterday, we learned that the cost of Government borrowing is now the highest in two decades.

“Instead of getting a grip on the economy, the Chancellor is briefing out rent controls to curry favour with left-wing backbenchers.

“It is time the Prime Minister gives her an easier job, so will he listen to businesses, listen to the country, and reshuffle the Chancellor?”

Responding, Sir Keir Starmer said: “In the spring statement, the Chancellor was very proud to say inflation was down to 3% and falling. We’ve seen the growth figures for the early part of this year.

Mrs Badenoch hit back: “I didn’t hear him say he’s not reshuffling the Chancellor. It sounds like she’s toast.”

A Conservative Party spokesman said the Chancellor “is about to become the next person Starmer throws under a bus”.

They said: “Keir Starmer had several chances today to guarantee that the Chancellor would stay in post after the local elections. He didnt.

“Everyone can see that Rachel Reeves is about to become the next person Starmer throws under a bus – another member of his government sacrificed for the Prime Minister’s terrible decisions.”

The PM insisted in January 2025 that she would remain Chancellor “into the next election and beyond it” after she cried in the Commons during PMQs.

Asked about previous comments that she would stay in her job for the whole parliament, the Prime Minister’s spokesman told reporters that “position remains unchanged” and that Sir Keir had “full confidence in the Chancellor”.