When Labour was preparing for government, Sue Gray wrote a government risk register of the biggest challenges the party could face if it took power. Referred to by some in the party as “Sue’s shitlist”, Keir Starmer’s chief of staff identified a series of imminent crises.

Prison overcrowding was top of the list, followed by the potential collapse of Thames Water, an NHS funding shortfall, and turbulence over public-sector pay negotiations. It was a lesson in making sure they were ready to act early on even if unpopular – as last week’s announcement by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood about releasing prisoners showed.

But in the two weeks since Starmer entered Government, his chief of staff has cause to extend the list. As the Prime Minister continues to enjoy a honeymoon – with EU leaders lavishing praise on him after a successful Blenheim Palace meeting of the European Political Community, there are some signs of trouble ahead.

So far, he has managed to put off many difficult decisions by announcing various reviews – such as on defence spending, and this week, amid pressure to lift the two-child benefit cap, a child poverty taskforce that will report back in due course.

Yet another financial headache could beckon. Starmer’s worst news this week could be buried in a Department for Education update. The........

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