Pressed about Sir Keir Starmer’s thoughts on the reports, the No 10 spokeswoman added: “He is very clear that this is a Chancellor that has been straight with the public about the state of the public finances and what is necessary to restore financial stability. That is most important.”

Rachel Reeves has faced accusations of lying after it emerged that her online CV had been updated and appears to have exaggerated her experience as an economist.The Chancellor drew criticism from senior Tories,

The Prime Minister's official spokesman broke silence on the row after days of further headlines about the Chancellor.