The new prime minister has confirmed that the planned Halloween budget will be delayed until November 17 to take into account the latest economic forecasts. But Downing Street refused to confirm whether pensions would rise in line with inflation in April, which is above 10%. Prime Minister’s plans for the economy questioned – live updates Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 45:34 The Take: Sunak’s early days as PM Conservative MP Maria Caulfield told Sky News the lack of confirmation worried her. “When the government doesn’t confirm one way or the other, speculation increases and gaps are created and people start to worry. I have pensioners who are worried,” he said. Earlier this month, Ms Caulfield warned she would not vote to end the triple lock. It means pensions must rise by average earnings, inflation or 2.5% – whichever is higher. She had posted on Twitter: “Pensioners should not have to pay the price for the cost of living crisis whether it was caused by the war in Ukraine or the mini budgets.” Speaking to Sophy Ridge, Ms Caulfield hoped the triple lock would be maintained given how Mr Sunak told PMQs he stood on the Conservative manifesto for 2019. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 3:25 How did Sunak do in the first PMQs? Mr Sunak’s press secretary said there would be no comment “before any fiscal statements or budgets”, but added: “What I can say is that he has shown through his record as chancellor that he will do what is right and compassionate for the most vulnerable. .” In other developments, former Tory leader Sir Jake Berry claimed Suella Braverman committed “multiple breaches of the ministerial code”. She was controversially reinstated as home secretary during the prime minister’s reshuffle – six days after she resigned for sending an official document from a personal email account. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:44 Sunak “beaten by Truss who missed a lettuce” Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper described the allegations as “extraordinary and very serious”, asking the new prime minister on Twitter: “What security warnings did you ignore when you reappointed the home secretary?” When asked about Ms Braverman’s return to the Home Office, Maria Caulfield defended her – and told Sky News she was “very open and honest about it and very quick to react”. Ms Caulfield went on to argue that it was “not in her gift to be re-appointed”. Read more: How much time political turmoil will cost taxpayers Beth Rigby: Sunak’s legitimacy hangs in the balance Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 4:32 Sunak’s first day is busy as MM During PMQs yesterday, Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer accused Mr Sunak of striking a “shameless deal” with Ms Braverman – a popular figure on the right of the party – in order to secure the keys to the Number 10. In separate developments, the new prime minister also confirmed he is bringing back the fracking ban controversially lifted by Liz Truss during her brief premiership. Speaking at the London Press Club Awards last night, newly appointed Leveling Up Secretary Michael Gove said “boring is back” after “12 months of turmoil”. Meanwhile, cabinet appointments continued late into the night – with the most notable change demoting former transport minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan to foreign minister. Mr Sunak also found time to attend a Diwali celebration at 10 Downing Street last night after the Hindu festival of lights earlier this week. “I will do everything I can in this job to build a Britain where our children and grandchildren can light their Diyas and look to the future with hope,” she then posted on social media.
