Rachel Reeves 'cries' in House of Commons amid welfare fallout
She appeared to be wiping away tears following a question from the leader of the opposition, Kemi Badenoch, who broached the Prime Minister over the future of the Chancellor's position.
The Tory leader asked Starmer whether Reeves would still be in her position by the 2029 general election, leading the PM to dodge the question.
Read more: Emma Raducanu forced to change clothes after causing anger at Wimbledon
Starmer turned it back on Badenoch, saying she "certainly won't" be in her position by 2026, but the lack of assurances for Reeves appeared to leave her in tears.
Badenoch responded: "How awful for the Chancellor that he couldn't confirm that she would stay in place."
She added the PM was 'using' the chancellor as a 'human shield… to hide his own incompetence,' adding that Reeves looked "absolutely miserable".
A spokesperson said the Chancellor said her upset was due to "a personal matter."
They added: "The chancellor will be working out of Downing Street this afternoon."
During the PMQs, Badenoch said: "It's been a difficult week for the Prime Minister. So let's start with something simple. Can the Prime Minister tell the House how much his welfare Bill is going to save?"
The PM replied: "What we delivered last night was a Bill which ends mandatory reassessment of those with severe disabilities, that is the right thing to do.
"It re-balances Universal Credit, that is long overdue. And it sets out a pathway to reform of Pip (personal independence payment).
"It's consistent with the principles I set out throughout. If you can work, you should work.
"If you need help into work, the state should provide the help. The system that they broke doesn't do so."
"If you can't work, you must be supported and protected. The reformed welfare system that we're putting place will be better for individuals, better for the taxpayer, and better for the economy."
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