Labour again to the consolation zone… by mountain climbing advantages: MPs set to approve large rises as Starmer ‘lurches Left to avoid wasting his pores and skin’

Labour MPs are set to push through big benefit hikes today as Keir Starmer lurches Left to save his skin.

The Commons is due to confirm 3.8 per cent increases to handouts including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), parental pay and statutory sick pay.

The increases are in line with the headline inflation rate from September, but above the current pace of price growth.

Meanwhile, MPs are formally due to sign off a 4.8 per cent rise in the state pension, after the government stuck to the so-called ‘triple lock’.

The move comes as Sir Keir struggles to cling on in No10, with mounting pressure from his own benches for more left-wing policies. Many are demanding wealth taxes to underwrite more spending splurges.

The premier has already been forced to ditch one effort to curb alarming increases in the welfare bill after a Labour mutiny. 

Keir Starmer has already been forced to ditch one effort to curb alarming increases in the welfare bill after a Labour mutiny

He suffered a political near-death experience yesterday as the Cabinet went mute for 24 hours following the resignation of his chief aide Morgan McSweeney amid the Mandelson scandal. 

Ministers only finally rallied round after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar demanded he quit – with questions swirling about what concessions and deals Sir Keir might have made for his survival.

Ed Miliband hinted this morning that the premier has agreed to a more left-wing approach to save his skin, saying he would be focusing on the ‘class divide’.

The Commons is debating and voting on four draft statutory instruments implementing the upratings.  

No10 is thought to have told the Department for Work and Pensions there will be no space in the King’s Speech – expected in May – for legislation bringing in reforms.

That could pour cold water on hopes of reforms being in place before the next general election.

Two major welfare reviews have been launched by the government, and are expected to report later in the year.

Labour Veteran Stephen Timms has been looking at Personal Independence Payment (PIP) since efforts to make £5billion of savings were thwarted by a huge Labour rebellion last year.

The government’s work tsar Alan Milburn is investigating tweaks to benefits to cut the number of young people not in employment, education or training – so-called NEETs.

No10 is thought to have told Pat McFadden’s Department for Work and Pensions that there will be no space in the King’s Speech – expected in May – for legislation bringing in reforms