Cabinet at war over budget cuts|

CRACKS are beginning to show in the new Cabinet - as ministers demanding more cash in the Government's Labour first Budget were told they would have to make savings instead.

- Sam Lister

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner was one of three members of the top team asking for extra funding when spending settlements are finalised.

But Sir Keir Starmer's team at No10 has said they should expect "tough conversations" and warned department leaders will not be able to do everything they want.

engagement The Prime Minister's spokesman said: "I am obviously not going to get drawn into specifics of spending review discussions.

"But clearly between departments and the Treasury and No10 ahead of the Budget and a spending review are a standard part of the process, where departments set out their priorities and the challenges they are facing. Not every department will be able to do everything they want to.

Tough

"There will be tough decisions taken. There will be tough conversations." In a sign of unrest at the top of government over the Budget due to be delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in 12 days' time some ministers wrote to Sir Keir about plans to cut their spending by up to 20%.