Starmer u-turns over u-turn

So, in a classic move, Keir Starmer, prime minister of this great country, and Rachel Reeves, chancellor and in charge of all our money, have leaked out that, after all, they won't be increasing income tax by 2p in the pound to try and fill the huge black hole in the government finances. While many people will see this as good news, it's also a remarkable u-turn of a u-turn. In its manifesto to win the election, the Labour Party and specifically Reeves promised never to increase income tax or VAT etc etc. Then it emerged in recent weeks that Reeves was contemplating reneging on the manifesto pledge because she had bo alternative but to raise income tax, whatever the consequences. Critics both in and out of the Labour party said she would have to resign if she announced that in the autumn budget due on November 26. There was so much vitriol aimed at her that now she has backed down and either she or one of her trusted officials has leaked to the Financial Times that she won't be doing this after all. Now she has to find some other way of raising £20 billion, and the budget is just two weeks away. Well, it has probably saved her job but whatever she decides to do instead is going to cause angst, whether she slashes at people's pensions or cuts public services or heavily taxes anyone who dares to have a decent house and bank balance.