Monday, January 13, 2025 The assailability of Rachel Reeves The hullabaloo about Rachel Reeves's future was raised a notch by the prime minister not quite answering a question, twice, after his speech on the great opportunities of artificial intelligence this morning.    Keir Starmer said the chancellor had his "full confidence" and was doing a "fantastic job", but would not say that she would remain in post for the duration of the parliament.   This contradicted one of the unwritten rules of British politics, which is that chancellors are "unassailable" – Margaret Thatcher's description of Nigel Lawson. Until they aren't.    It would be disastrous for Starmer to dispense with his most important minister: his fate is tied to hers. Her mistakes are his mistakes.   The prime minister's official spokesperson had to step in at the afternoon journalists' briefing to restore the world to its axis by saying: "He will be working with her in her role as chancellor for the whole of this parliament."   Does Starmer know something we don't about whether she wants to stay on, or was it simply inexperience on his part that he failed to give this answer himself?  Written by John Rentoul Quiz question Which member of the cabinet was a special adviser to Harriet Harman and then Patricia Hewitt in the last Labour government? Answer at the bottom of today's email  Don't forget to complete your registration We've noticed that you still have not completed your registration to The Independent. Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism. It allows us to better understand our readers and tailor your experience. By registering, you'll also gain access to a range of exclusive benefits, including: Limited access to Premium articles Access to The Independent app Access to more than 20 newsletters Commenting on independent.co.uk Unlock these benefits by completing your registration today.  COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION NOW COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION NOW Daily briefing Keir Starmer vows to work with Elon Musk on artificial intelligence The PM said the UK government will work with anyone in the AI sector, including the hostile US billionaire Nicola Sturgeon ends marriage to Peter Murrell, former chief exec of the SNP Former first minister of Scotland said the couple, who wed in 2010, 'have been separated for some time now' Keir Starmer accused of being 'asleep at the wheel' as A&E waits up 400-fold in a decade Meanwhile 20 NHS trusts across England declare critical incidents as flu continues to take its toll What else you need to know today Rupert Soames, boss of the CBI, warned against Angela Rayner's workers' rights bill becoming "an adventure playground for employment rights lawyers".   Keir Starmer is running out of time to finalise a deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius before Donald Trump becomes US president, writes David Maddox Chris Blackhurst says British business wants to get rid of the chancellor – for good reason I also wrote at the weekend about Rachel Reeves, and why she is heading for the brick wall of an emergency Budget in March The Independent View Under-fire Tulip Siddiq should stand down to save her career Politics explained What does Brexit bogeyman's return mean for UK foreign policy? Olly Robbins left the civil service during the turmoil over the withdrawal agreement – but now he's back. Sean O'Grady looks at what's in store for the new top mandarin at the foreign office...    Read more MOST COMMENTED How Nigel Farage lost the Brexit Party and why Reform's advance is not inevitable Tomorrow inside the Westminster bubble Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for  Keir Starmer will chair the cabinet's weekly meeting. He will also meet Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, the prime minister of Iraq, in Downing Street.   The Commons will sit from 11.30am, starting with questions on foreign affairs. Later the Renters' Rights Bill will complete its Commons passage, with MPs debating amendments on whether to ban or restrict landlords' requests for rent upfront for a new tenancy.   On the select committee corridor, officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will be quizzed about its farming programme at 10am. Lucy Powell, the Commons leader, will be questioned about MPs' outside jobs by the standards committee at 12.30pm. The business committee will continue its inquiry into workers' rights and the gig economy by hearing from companies and the shopworkers' union Usdaw at 2.30pm. The Covid inquiry will begin a new phase covering vaccines at 10am. QUOTATION OF THE DAY "We are now in control of our regulatory regime, so we will go our own way on this"   Keir Starmer strikes a Brexity note on the regulation of artificial intelligence Quiz answer: Liz Kendall, work and pensions secretary The Independent proudly partners with Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Join the conversation or follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter.   To unsubscribe from The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy policy and cookie policy