Sir Keir Starmer has refused to rule out manifesto-breaking tax hikes for working people in next week's budget .

The Prime Minister declined to recommit to manifesto pledges on tax despite being asked 12 times during a broadcast interview during his trip to the G20 summit in South Africa.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is widely expected to raise levies on November 26 in an effort to bridge a multi-billion-pound gap in her spending plans.

Asked whether leaders should maintain pledges, Sir Keir told Sky News: "Yes, it is important that politicians stick to their word."

He added that "we've obviously got big decisions to make in the Budget" which comes against "a very difficult backdrop".

Ms Reeves is grappling with weak economic growth, persistent inflation and an expected downgrade to

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