Dan York-Smith, the new key official who will act as a filter on advice to Sir Keir Starmer has two major talents. His deep knowledge of the Budget process and his ability to do a backflip from standing.

The long-time Treasury official, who has also previously worked in No 10, is set to be appointed to the role of Principal Private Secretary, in a sign No 10 is ramping up economic expertise and taking a closer watch over fiscal policy ahead of a difficult Budget in which tax rises are now seen as inevitable .

Starmer had been trying to appoint his own economic adviser, but no suitable candidate has agreed to take on the job, although Downing Street sources insist a name will be announced soon. York-Smith takes over the role from Nin Pandit, who was moved aside this week to focus

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