The prime minister has suffered damage to his authority and lost goodwill among some Labour MPs over how efforts to reform welfare have unfolded - and it may be Rachel Reeves picking up the pieces.

Welfare minister Liz Kendall summoned all the resolution in her slender veins. 'This Government,' she squeaked, 'must not and will not duck the big challenges!' Three and a bit hours later: ...

LONDON] UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer avoided a humiliating parliamentary defeat on key welfare reforms on Tuesday, after ...