# Rachel Reeves vs Keir Starmer: Inside the ‘rift’ in Downing Street

An episode of [Electoral Dysfunction](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1613562765), 23 May 2025, 55 min.

Audio: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/8b25ab12-5cf4-4905-b272-4cf3a5874b3f.mp3?aw_0_1st.showid=7131ad54-f81b-4ab8-b44c-e56c8cb808cd&aw_0_1st.episodeid=8b25ab12-5cf4-4905-b272-4cf3a5874b3f

Are Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves falling out over winter fuel payments? Beth tells us what she’s been hearing in Westminster about a rift between the pair and although it’s denied by Number 11, she’s heard there’s a “palpable tension” between the principal players over the change in policy. Also, with a vote on welfare reforms coming up next month Beth, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson discuss how it will play out with Labour MPs and whether the government is losing its grip despite having such a big majority. Plus, Beth speaks to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds about the winter fuel U-turn and whether the government can get a better deal with Donald Trump. Remember you can also watch us on YouTube!

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