(Refiles to fix technical issue with hyperlink in paragraph six)(Reuters) -British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Finance Minister Rachel Reeves have abandoned plans to raise income tax rates, marking a sharp shift just weeks ahead of the November 26 budget,

The chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly looking at other ways to fill the government’s estimated £30 billion fiscal hole

Keir Starmer’s allies sought to avert a leadership challenge by shining a spotlight on the ambitions of a rival for the British prime minister’s job. They may have wound up strengthening the hand of those demanding change at the top.

The prime minister and chancellor have spent weeks laying the groundwork to make the manifesto-breaking announcement on 26 November, but won't go ahead with it amid fears it would further anger Labour MPs and voters.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer is also expected to confirm that tax thresholds will remain frozen for a further two years after 2028.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed off on an official appointment he had recused himself from, in an ethics slip-up that comes as he is trying to draw a line under claims his political project is faltering.

Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have ditched their manifesto-busting plan to increase income tax rates, in a dramatic U-turn ahead of the Budget on November 26, according to officials briefed on the move.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was forced Wednesday to address reports that rivals in his Labour Party are plotting to replace him as leader, just two weeks ahead of a government budget announcement that could worsen his already dire poll ratings.