Labour MPs welcome budget that ‘nails colours to the mast’

Rayner celebrates bold political vision' of Reeves's policies, though markets and farmers are less keen

For weeks, Labour MPs and officials have worried their government was drifting, dogged by controversies over freebies and donations, and unable to show voters its defining mission. On Wednesday that changed, for better or for worse.

Announcing the biggest tax-raising budget for decades, along with a rapid injection of cash for health and education, Rachel Reeves made clear to her party and to the country what this government's priorities are.