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Downing Street has revealed that "new information" pertaining to emails exchanged by Chancellor Rachel Reeves' husband about their rental agreements has been forwarded to Sir Keir Starmer and his independent adviser on ministerial standards. Last week Chancellor Rachel Reeves faced calls to quit after reports emerged that she's mulling over breaking Labour's manifesto pledge by ramping up income tax. She's reportedly engaged in "active discussions" to hit Britons with a series of tax raids aimed at plugging a £30billion "black hole" in public finances next month. Her alleged schemes apparently involve boosting income tax by adding 1p to the basic rate – a strategy that could bring in over £8billion. She might also be eyeing increases to higher or additional tax rates to generate an estimated extra £2.2billion. One of her growing band of detractors posted on X: "The £30billion black hole comes from her own borrowing and inflation-fuelled policies. Labour's manifesto was built on lies – and now workers will pay the price. She needs to go." The Treasury is believed to be convinced that raising income tax represents the chancellor's only viable option to generate sufficient funds whilst preventing her from additional revenue grabs throughout the remainder of this Parliament. A source revealed: "There is a very live debate going on right now among those planning the budget about how bold we want to be on the headroom. "No one wants it to be £10billion again but there is an argument we go much higher, which will mean we don't have to come back and do this again and might have space to cut taxes before the budget. If we go down that route however, it makes it more likely that we have to raise income tax – that is the discussion that is going on at the moment." Another insider commented: "Rachel is understandably nervous but there is a big desire for additional headroom. But we need a stronger argument about our purpose if we are going to make the case." A third source noted: "The politics is bad either way. What matters, I think, is doing the right thing." Mrs Reeves is also scheming to generate more billions by increasing national insurance for doctors, lawyers and accountants who are employed through partnerships. She has also been encouraged to target holidaymakers by introducing green taxes on flights. This is a breaking news story and is being constantly updated. Please refresh the page regularly with the latest news, pictures and videos. You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters. Get all the very best headlines, pictures, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following Daily Star every time you see our name. Follow Daily Star on Android - CLICK HERE Follow Daily Star on Apple - CLICK HERE Follow Daily Star on Snapchat - CLICK HERE You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news by following @starbreaksnews and follow us @dailystar for all the latest updates. Keep up-to-date with your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at facebook.com/thedailystar.
