Rachel Reeves' 'triple-locked' body language 'a key sign of low confidence' at PMQs

Rachel Reeves' lack of confidence after a bruising few weeks was plain as she sat next to Sir Keir Stamer during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, a body language expert has claimed. Sir Keir Starmer clashed with Kemi Badenoch in the Commons, refusing to rule out a wealth tax after the Tory leader accused him of "flirting" with the idea.

And while the Chancellor appeared more composed than last week, when she was pictured in tears behind an apparently oblivious PM, Inbaal Honigman, speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk on behalf of Oddspedia, said there were nevertheless tell-tale signs that all was not well. She explained: "When Rachel Reeves is initially seen behind Starmer (10 minutes in), her legs are crossed which is a protective gesture, but not uncommon. In fact the entire row has their legs crossed. Her arms are also crossed, which is also a protective gesture, and also a very popular choice by the other ladies on the bench."

Nevertheless, Ms Honigman stressed that her attention had been drawn to one key point.

She continued: "There's one thing that is different to everyone else, however, and this may be the key to how she feels."

Whereas usually, crossed arms would be paired with downwards-facing palms, which are also protective, Ms Reeves had her palms up seen "turned upwards", Ms Honigman pointed out.

She said: "Her hands are turned upwards in her lap, and her fingers are clearly displayed above the palm of her hand.

"Upwards-turned palms are more submissive. It is a 'begging' nonverbal cue and it reveals that the Shadow Chancellor is feeling vulnerable.

"This upwards-turned palms are the keenest clue which suggests that she is feeling sensitive and uncertain, and that she wants reassurance. There's low confidence indicated in that gesture."

The next time Ms Reeves appeared on screen, the fingers of both her hands weer laced together, gathered around her knee.

Ms Honigman emphasised: "This gesture forms a triple-protective pose, comprising the protectiveness of a crossed leg, with the added protection of a raised knee, and then her arms and hands interlocked over it.

"Protective poses are intended to keep emotions on the inside and strangers on the outside, and this triple-locked body language says 'keep out'."

She concluded: "The popped knee with the laced hands over it, creates a bubble of protection over the politician, which she feels helps keep her safe.

"Reeves's lips are thin and tight as she smiles which is an uneasy smile that may indicate secrecy."

During the feisty exchange, Mrs Badenoch labelled the Prime Minister "weak", accusing him of "forced into a series of chaotic U-turns" and failing to head off doctors' strikes.

Sir Keir defended Labour, saying he is "proud" of the NHS 10year health plan, free school meals and the rollout of family hubs.

However, Mrs Badenoch warned "investors are fleeing the country" over what she called a potential "tax on aspiration".

She added: "He's flirting with Neil Kinnock's demand for a wealth tax. Let's be honest about what that means - this is a tax on all of our constituents' savings... their houses, their pensions... Will the Prime Minister rule this out?"

Sir Keir replied: "What we did in the budget was stabilise the economy... Four interest rate cuts, for mortgage holders... compare that to the Liz Truss minibudget."

He continued: "The fastest growth in the G7 in the first quarter... Wages up more in the first 10 months of the Labour Government than the 10 years under the Tories. So no, we don't need lessons from them."

Mrs Badenoch fired back: "He has been in office for a year... all we see is him congratulating himself... Nobody out there believes it... what a weak cheer."

She added: "On his watch, taxes are up, unemployment is up, inflation is up, and this weak Prime Minister has been forced into a series of chaotic U-turns."

Sir Keir responded: "We're responsible for four million extra appointments in the NHS... free school meals... family hubs... migration coming down. We take responsibility and we're proud of that."

Mrs Badenoch accused him of "folds in every negotiation and claims that it is a triumph", and mocked his handling of doctors' pay: "He boasted that he solved the doctors' strike... only now we see they're still voting to strike again."