Labour has ruled out a “return” to the austerity seen in the 2010s, and still felt long after. However, critics inside the party continue to accuse Ms Reeves of just that, arguing that her rhetoric and policies bear an all-too-similar resemblance.

Labour had been dampening expectations by repeatedly telling Britons that the outgoing Conservatives, who imposed a radical "austerity" programme of cutbacks in response to the 2008 financial crisis, had left a yawning gap in public finances, and hinting at spending cuts ahead.

But the chancellor's conference speech on Monday risks being overshadowed by the row over her decision to axe winter fuel payments.

Rachel Reeves is set to use her first speech at a Labour conference to vow there will be "no return" to austerity under a Labour government. The chancellor is expected to declare that her first budget, due on October 30, will not be an austerity measure, and instead will “rebuild Britain” and deliver the change they promised the electorate.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves today insisted Britain will not be returning to austerity after she was pressed on Labour 'doom and gloom' since sweeping to power. Ms Reeves was also questioned about the freebies row engulfing the party after accepting clothes donations during the election campaign.

Public spending will grow and there will be no austerity under Labour, Rachel Reeves has said. The Chancellor said spending cuts did "huge damage" to public services and the econo