Tax enthusiast Torsten Bell has been handed responsibility for Budget preparations

Sir Keir Starmer has created a “budget board” of ministers and officials in a bid to mend broken relations with businesses and the City – and tighten his grip on economic policy.

The group will meet weekly to co-ordinate ‘pro growth policies’ ahead of the looming Autumn Budget on 26 November.

It is also expected to keep businesses and City leaders on side, officials told the Financial Times.

The new board will be jointly chaired by Baroness Minouche Shafik, Starmer’s economic adviser, and Torsten Bell, a Treasury minister.

Varun Chandra, Starmer’s business adviser, is also on the panel, along with Tim Allen, the new Number 10 communications chief.

Other members of the board include Morgan McSweeney a

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