(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,

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.

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.

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.

SIR Keir Starmer risks his MPs going “on strike” following the anonymous attacks from No10. Government sources said several backbenchers have been refusing to cooperate with requests to attend