UK Budget 2005 - Politics
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Chancellor's speech starts countdown to campaign
The countdown to the general election began with Gordon Brown's ninth Budget since Labour came to power in 1997.
Howard slams ?vote now, pay later Budget?
Michael Howard, the Conservative leader, accused Gordon Brown of producing a ?vote now, pay later Budget?, saying that the chancellor?s measures would be bad for Britain.
Kennedy pitches to Labour voters with attack on tax system
Charles Kennedy, the Liberal Democrat leader, made a pitch to Labour voters by accusing the chancellor of failing to “tackle fundamental unfairness” in the tax system.
What next for Gordon Brown?
Speculation about a move to the Foreign Office should not be discounted but allies insist the architect of Labour?s economic reforms will stay at the Treasury. First there is a general election campaign to be fought.
Prudence and Blairisms are out, children and pensioners are in
He may have promised not to play fast and loose with the public finances in the run-up to polling day, but Prudence is out of favour with Gordon Brown.
Chancellor liberally sprinkles sweeteners
Gordon Brown's Budget consolidated Labour's domination of the political battleground in the run-up to the general election. But this was a Budget that was sensible rather than spendthrift, one which fell somewhat short of the expectations.
Tories put faith in £4bn give-away
Tax cuts for low and middle income earners are expected to be promised by Michael Howard soon as the linchpin of the Conservatives' election campaign.
Optimism over drive to release savings to services
The government's efficiency drive aimed at releasing £21.5bn of savings to frontline services by 2008 is going better than expected, according to the chancellor.
Oversight agencies to be reduced from 11 to four
An overhaul of public sector inspection and regulation is on the way and will telescope 11 bodies into four, in a triumph over departmental opposition.
Argument on forecasts unresolved
As confident as ever in the infallibility of his public finance forecasts, Gordon Brown dismissed all talk of black holes in the books and crowed about his ability to meet his rules on borrowing and debt.
