A defiant Rachel Reeves has urged Labour MPs to unite behind this week's budget - but appeared to admit they might not like all of her policies.

Addressing the Parliamentary Labour Party last night, the chancellor described politics as a "team sport" and insisted that tomorrow's announcements will be "fair".

Backbenchers are said to have become increasingly frustrated at the prospect of further tax hikes , which come against a backdrop of falling opinion poll ratings.

Ed Conway: Three things the budget boils down to

Image: Rachel Reeves. Pic: PA

Ms Reeves argued the budget should be regarded as a package - and not a "pick 'n' mix" where MPs "like the cola bottles but not the fruit salad".

She added that her three top priorities were to cut the cost of living, reduce NHS waiting

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