P.M.

Ms Haydon appeared during Albanese's 2022 and 2025 election campaigns, and was seen alongside the PM at major events, including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and a state dinner hosted by former US President Joe Biden.

Asked whether Reeves had misled the public and the financial markets, the PM's spokesperson said: "I don't accept that."

However, the Labour leadership will be less comfortable if former deputy PM Angela Rayner - the architect of the initial proposals - expresses criticism.

"I have repeatedly said that I want my government to drive down child poverty. That is a political mission. It is a personal mission," the PM told me.

The PM's argument has always been one of affordability.