Rachel Reeves breaks down in tears during Commons as support wavers

In the United Kingdom, during a session of Prime Minister's Questions on July 2, 2025, Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves was seen visibly upset and in tears. This emotional moment occurred as the Prime Minister faced criticism regarding a failure to deliver £5 billion in planned welfare cuts that were crucial to the government's spending review. Ministerial sources suggested that her tears were due to a prior argument with Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who subsequently apologized. Reeves's emotional display coincided with heightened tensions within the Labour Party, as speculation surged around a potential reshuffle of roles following the backbench revolt against the welfare reforms proposed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. After the PMQs, Downing Street reiterated that Reeves had Starmer's full backing, dispelling concerns that her position was in jeopardy despite her visibly shaken state. Meanwhile, responses from the Conservative Party indicated a heightened scrutiny over Reeves's emotional health and the implications it may have on her future as Chancellor. The market reacted negatively to these developments, with the selloff of UK government bonds reaching the largest single-day decline since October 2022, exacerbated by concerns about the government's direction amidst internal disputes. This series of events highlights the complexities and pressures facing the Labour leadership, emphasizing the delicate balance of support within the party and the impact of public perception on government decisions, particularly in a fraught economic environment.