Sir Keir Starmer a nd Rachel Reeves have reportedly “ripped up” proposals to break Labour’s manifesto pledge and raise income tax at this month’s Budget, amid fears of a backlash.

The Chancellor had been expected to hike income tax to make up for a shortfall in the public finances, and said on Monday keeping that promise would come at the price of “deep cuts” to public investment.

But the Financial Times , citing officials briefed on the move, reported that Reeves has now abandoned those plans over concerns they could anger both voters and backbench Labour MPs. New Feature

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The paper said she is now exploring alternative ways to raise revenue to fill a fiscal hole estimated at up to £30bn.

It said the decision was communicated t

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