Chancellor Rachel Reeves has admitted that Labour does not “deserve” to win the next general election unless it delivers meaningful change, acknowledging voter frustration with the government’s record. Speaking at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Reeves said she understood the disappointment felt by some voters over recent U-turns on winter fuel allowance and welfare policies.
Reeves blamed the financial challenges inherited from the Conservatives for limiting the government’s ability to act quickly. “The reason people voted Labour is they want change… but you can’t do everything straight away,” she said, adding that her responsibility to balance the books often makes unpopular decisions necessary.
The chancellor defended the government’s tax stance, stating it had the balance “about right,” despite renewed calls from Labour politicians for a wealth tax. Former shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds urged ministers to consider evidence from the Wealth Tax Commission, which she said had “changed the debate” on the policy.
Labour faces significant electoral challenges in Scotland ahead of next year’s Holyrood elections. Polling shows the party in third place with 19% support, behind the SNP (29%) and Reform UK (22%), a sharp decline from a year ago when it was neck and neck with the SNP. The closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery and the ban on new North Sea drilling have damaged Labour’s popularity in the region.
Reeves also criticised former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who recently launched a new left-wing party. She predicted the public would reject him again, noting he “had two chances to be prime minister” and was defeated in 2019.
