Prepare for battle: Darling says Osborne’s making it up on the hoof ahead of debate

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

Further to Anthony Painter’s analysis that George Osborne’s proposals on national insurance contributions could prove to be the Tories’ “Sarah Palin moment”, Alistair Darling has also criticised Osborne for “policy making on the hoof.”

In a statement, Darling said:

“This would derail the recovery this year, undermine deficit reduction, and put public services at risk. George Osborne has panicked and is making policy up on the hoof.

“What George Osborne announced today will put families, their public services and business at risk. On the Tories’ own figures, they’ve made a £28bn tax promise over the next Parliament, but not a single one of their savings is in the bank. It’s paid for on a wing and a prayer.

“As David Cameron has said this ‘is one of the oldest tricks in the book’ and it won’t wash with the British public.

“George Osborne’s savings are so flaky, he’s admitted he doesn’t even know which department is going to pay what.”

Ouch. Prepare for battle in tonight’s Channel 4 Chancellors’ debate.