Cabinet chaos
Today’s EU summit serves as another reminder of how much work remains to be done if the UK is to leave the EU with a trade deal in place. With…
Spring Statement 2018
Blink and you might have missed it - the new look Spring Statement was a shorter affair than in previous years and was definitely not a Budget. In fact, lasting…
Was today’s Budget box office gold or copper cobblers?
Did the Chancellor live up to his moniker (Spreadsheet Phil, Box Office Phil, PH1 to name a few) when he delivered his Budget today? He certainly managed a few gags…
Philip Hammond’s fight for his political life
There is a palpable sense that the vultures are circling over the Conservative Chancellor, Philip Hammond. A committed remainer before the Brexit vote, Hammond holds the coveted role of Chancellor…
Where was the rabbit?
We have grown used to the Chancellor pulling the proverbial rabbit out of the hat at the end of the Budget Statement – it is the crowd-pleasing headline grabber that…
An Autumn Statement Delivered in the Dark
Philip Hammond delivered his first, and last, Autumn Statement to the Commons on Wednesday. Not one for gimmicks or showmanship, Hammond presented what was largely a continuity budget statement, confirming…
Conservative Party Conference: Setting a new agenda
The Conservative Party Conference marked the beginning of a new era of conservatism under Theresa May. Theresa May began her speech by praising David Cameron for delivering change but said…