RISHI Sunak has told Jeremy Hunt he is safe in his job until at least spring next year, The Sun can reveal.
There had been growing speculation among Conservative MPs that the Chancellor was in line for the chop.
AFPRishi Sunak has told Jeremy Hunt he is safe in his job until at least spring 2024[/caption]
But last night a key ally of the Prime Minister made the unusual step of making it clear Mr Hunt would survive any reshuffle ahead of the next Budget — expected in mid-March.
Mr Hunt is due to deliver the Autumn Statement on November 22 — but despite inflation dipping he is expected to disappoint colleagues by ruling out tax cuts until next year.
On Thursday, the PM shifted his tone on slashing the record burden on workers.
He said he was confident that some relief would come ahead of next year’s election.
But there has been a drumbeat of questions over the future of Mr Hunt.
Some Tories have dubbed him Eeyore — Winnie the Pooh’s pessimistic and downcast donkey pal — because of his gloomy approach to the public finances.
Last night a No10 source told The Sun: “The Chancellor and PM are working closely together on driving down inflation and building an economy for the future.
“The Chancellor will be delivering the Autumn Statement in a few weeks’ time and the Budget next spring.”
A friend of Mr Hunt added: “Jeremy is focused on the people’s priorities. Inflation is falling, wages are rising and the economy is growing but there is still much more to do.”
This week, Mr Sunak hinted that the General Election would not happen until next October, leaving open the possibility Mr Hunt will be moved next summer ahead of the vote.
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