In the weeks leading up to the Budget, Westminster watchers are on high alert for any clues that may give insight into the Treasury’s thinking. Despite the best attempts of Nos 10 and 11 to keep everything under wraps, those practiced in the arts of Budgetology learn to read intelligence into the slightest shift in language or comment.

Which is why, when at PMQs on Wednesday Sir Keir Starmer failed, for the first time in perhaps a year, to recommit to Labour’s much-worn manifesto pledge not to raise taxes on “working people”, alarms and klaxons sounded.

It means that, with just over three weeks to go until the Budget, it now seems likely that Rachel Reeves will break the promise not to raise income tax. New Feature

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