One ally of Philip Hammond said he recognised how difficult a balancing act the budget would be

Philip Hammond has been warned by cabinet colleagues that he faces an ambush on the budget from Tories who want him out.

Senior government figures fear that the chancellor has become so toxic that he does not have sufficient authority to get difficult measures through the Commons. He has been told that some of the budget ideas that he has suggested, such as squeezing cash from pensioners, would cause a Tory backbench revolt.

Another significant failure to pass budget measures could destabilise the government. No 10 has become severely exasperated by the chancellor’s behaviour, including over an article submitted to The Times.

A source said that his team had been warned before publication that the article would generate negative headlines and suggested changes to