In its manifesto for last year's general election, Labour insisted it would not raise taxes on 'working people' - specifically income tax, national insurance or VAT.
But that pledge was made before Rachel Reeves was estimated by economists to be facing a £50billion 'black hole' in the public finances ahead of her next Budget.
This means there is now widespread expectation that the Chancellor will announce a fresh tax raid this autumn, as she scrambles to plug the spending gap.
It comes amid claims Angela Rayner dodged shelling out £40,000 in stamp duty on a coastal flat after saying it was her main place of residence to tax authorities.
The Deputy Prime Minister reportedly took her name off the deeds of her Greater Manchester property just weeks before purchasing an £800,000 seaside flat in Hove.
