The smoke signals from Downing Street this week are widely seen as an urgent bid to boost the government's economic credentials ahead of a tricky Autumn Budget.

The moves indicate that Starmer believes he needs better economic advice before a budget later this year that is expected to include further tax rises.

Prime minister brings in chancellor’s deputy and former Bank of England chief to newly created senior roles

In a sign that he plans to take personal charge of the autumn Budget , the Prime Minister appointed his own economic guru and poached the Chancellor's deputy and chief tax adviser.

Keir Starmer's new-look top team will assemble in Downing Street amid fears the ground is being laid for another brutal tax raid at the Autumn Budget.

The smoke signals from Downing Street this week are widely seen as an urgent bid to boost the government's economic credentials ahead of a tricky Autumn Budget.