The government hinting at a rise in income tax at the budget only to not go through with it in a bid to win over voters would be "deplorable", according to Labour peer Harriet Harman.

Reports are swirling that the chancellor is considering a manifesto-breaking hike when she delivers her crucial fiscal statement next month - and Sir Keir Starmer failed to rule it out at PMQs this week.

The Daily Telegraph says Rachel Reeves is considering a proposal by the Resolution Foundation think tank to cut national insurance by 2p and add it to income tax - protecting workers while hitting pensioners and landlords.

But Baroness Harman warned ministers against "manipulative" briefing to the media ahead of the budget, as the constant speculation "will only make people anxious".

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