Story perspectives

McFadden accuses Starmer of £3bn benefit reversal, tax hike.

6/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

WhatsApp messages from June 24 show Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of destroying his authority by reversing benefit reforms.
Reversal scrapped cuts to Personal Independence Payment and sickness element of Universal Credit, adding a £3 billion cost.
Peter Mandelson said the Minister’s authority was compromised, calling Downing Street communications “shit”.
Conservative officials used the leaks to claim Labour would raise taxes to fund expanded benefits.

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Story summary

WhatsApp messages from June 24 show Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of destroying his authority by reversing benefit reforms.
Reversal scrapped cuts to Personal Independence Payment and sickness element of Universal Credit, adding a £3 billion cost.
Peter Mandelson said the Minister’s authority was compromised, calling Downing Street communications “shit”.
Conservative officials used the leaks to claim Labour would raise taxes to fund expanded benefits.