Rachel Reeves found herself in the hot seat this weekend as Laura Kuenssberg challenged her on Labour’s latest spending cuts. The BBC presenter didn’t hold back, asking bluntly: “Are you really a Labour chancellor?”
Since taking office last July, Reeves has been on a mission to stabilise the economy—without borrowing for everyday costs. That’s meant slashing £5 billion from welfare and planning another £2 billion in cuts from the civil service.
But with voters expecting change from Labour, many are asking—are these just Tory-style policies under a new name?
🎙️ Kuenssberg Puts Reeves on the Spot
Appearing on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Reeves defended her decisions, pointing to Labour’s achievements so far:
- 📈 Raising the national living wage
- 🏥 Cutting NHS waiting lists for five months straight
- 💼 Taxing the wealthiest at a higher rate
- 🍽️ Launching free primary school breakfast clubs
“I reject that characterisation of what we’re doing,” she insisted. She also argued that the welfare system is in “bad need of reform,” with too many young people not in education, employment, or training. Labour is investing £1 billion to change that, she said.
❌ ‘This Isn’t What We Voted For’
But Kuenssberg wasn’t convinced—and neither are some voters. She read out a comment from a viewer who said:
“When people voted Labour to remove the Tories, they didn’t expect a continuation of Tory policies.”
Reeves hit back, insisting that those who genuinely need support will still receive it. But Kuenssberg pressed on, saying many voters feel Labour isn’t delivering what it promised.
You can watch it below;
⚠️ ‘Difficult Decisions’ or a Broken Promise?
Reeves doubled down, blaming a £22 billion “black hole” in public finances left by the Conservatives. She said tough choices were necessary to fix the damage.
But with public confidence on the line, Labour now faces a challenge—can they prove they’re different from the Tories, or will voters lose faith?
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