Why Keir Starmer faces a political storm over welfare reforms

Angela Rayner has declared that the government will go ahead with its controversial legislation, aimed at reforming the welfare system, next week.

But a well-placed source told us it could still be pulled: “It’s a live discussion.”

Conversations are continuing at the heart of government on the least worst course of action in the face of a significant backbench rebellion.

More than 120 Labour backbenchers have signed an amendment calling for the proposals to be scrapped, making an embarrassing defeat for the government possible.

Ministers are exploring whether some potential rebels can be won over with concessions or whether it’s better to avoid next week’s vote entirely, and postpone until the autumn.

Sources suggest…