(Reuters) -British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and finance minister Rachel Reeves have abandoned plans to raise income tax rates, changing course just weeks before the November 26 release of the government's budget,

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.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting was targeted by briefings suggesting he was plotting a coup against Sir Keir Starmer.

Mr Starmer spoke to senior Downing Street staff on a video call on Thursday morning to stress that “briefings against cabinet ministers are completely unacceptable”, his deputy spokesperson said, adding that “the prime minister said he had been assured that no No 10 staff briefed against ministers” and that he accepted the assurances.

Morgan McSweeney denies being responsible for the briefing against Health Secretary Wes Streeting, it is understood, and will be remaining in post.

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.