It was one of those Prime Minister’s Questions sessions where the usual political pantomime took a slightly more awkward turn. The room felt off-kilter — and it wasn’t just because Sir Keir Starmer was fumbling through a joke about Nigel Farage sunning himself in France.

The real question of the day wasn’t about Farage’s whereabouts. It was: Where on earth was Rachel Reeves?

Rachel Reeves’ Absence Sparks Questions and Whispers

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, was noticeably absent from her usual spot beside Sir Keir. Instead, we saw Yvette Cooper sitting in — and looking far from thrilled about it. So gloomy, in fact, she was briefly mistaken for Nia Griffith, Labour’s ever-dour equalities minister.

Reeves had jetted off to a G7 finance meeting in Canada, but unfortunately for her, the timing couldn’t have been worse. Just that morning, she was hit by a trio of political headaches — a surprise inflation spike, reports of a brewing tax dispute with Angela Rayner, and a cringeworthy TV clip that made her sound like a squeaky cartoon character. Not ideal for a Chancellor trying to command authority.

Starmer’s U-Turn on Fuel Payments Leaves Reeves in the Cold

Then came the political kicker. Sir Keir himself announced a rethink on cuts to the winter fuel payment — a major policy reversal.

But here’s the thing: Reeves had been at the despatch box for Treasury questions just the day before.

So why wasn’t she the one making that announcement?

That move sparked knowing looks and a few cheeky jeers from the opposition benches.

It gave the impression that Number 10 had muscled in on Number 11’s turf — and that Reeves wasn’t calling the shots.

A confident Chancellor would have taken the reins on such a U-turn.

But with Starmer doing it instead, whispers started swirling that her influence might be slipping.

Labour’s Inner Tensions Show Through the Cracks

The awkwardness didn’t stop there. Jonathan Reynolds, the Trade Secretary — often described as resembling a missing member of the Romanov family — looked like a statue during the whole exchange.

If Reeves is on shaky ground, could he be eyeing her job?

Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch, always sharp in the Commons, took the opportunity to jab at the chaos. She smoothly wove the winter fuel payment U-turn into her prepared remarks on the economy, much to the dismay of the Labour benches.

Labour MPs hurled heckles her way — including a rather juvenile hand gesture from Blackpool South’s Chris Webb.

But Badenoch held her ground, calling out their sudden silence when she asked who actually supported those fuel cuts. Not a single hand went up.

Rayner Blushes, Badenoch Teases, and the Rivalry Becomes Clear

Angela Rayner didn’t escape unscathed either.

When Badenoch made a sly remark about Rayner’s spat with Reeves, the deputy leader blushed and shifted nervously in her seat — a bit of leg-jiggling that spoke volumes.

Clearly, there’s tension bubbling under the surface in Labour’s top ranks.

And if they’re not careful, it’s going to spill out more often in public view.

A Cringe Moment with an Overeager Eco-Kid

Just as things couldn’t get more bizarre, we were treated to a strange detour from Conservative MP Paul Holmes.

He pointed to a six-year-old named Teddy watching from the gallery — a self-declared “eco warrior” with a mission to change the world, starting by recycling sweet wrappers.

While most political commentators might roll their eyes at such saccharine sentiment, MPs went absolutely gooey.

Starmer called the child “really incredible” and promised a meeting with a minister.

Hopefully not Bridget Phillipson — she’s got a stern look that could terrify even the bravest eco warrior.

Smiles, Waves, and a Slightly Grim Finale

At that point, half the Commons turned to the public gallery like starstruck fans.

Even Yvette Cooper managed a wave and a smile, though it came off more grimace than grin.

In the end, the session wrapped with more questions than answers.

Rachel Reeves was miles away but very much the talk of the chamber.

And with the economy wobbling, the Cabinet jostling, and the Prime Minister stepping on his Chancellor’s toes, it’s anyone’s guess what comes next.