Darling attacks Osborne’s “fair” and “progressive” claims

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

After George Osborne’s claims today that the recent budget is “progressive” and “fair”, shadow chancellor Alistair Darling has fought back, saying Osborne will need more than warm words:

“There’s nothing ‘pro-growth’ about taking a huge gamble with the recovery – with people’s jobs. And there’s nothing ‘fair’ or ‘progressive’ about George Osborne’s Budget hitting the poorest in our society hardest. He doesn’t seem to understand that in government it’s decisions, not warm words, that count.”

This is interesting on two levels. Firstly, that the Tories are feeling comfortable enough to put Osborne in the firing line after he has been so quiet in recent weeks. Secondly, despite Darling becoming increasingly open about misgivings he had whilst in government, and although he will be moving onto the back benches in a few weeks, he’s still able and willing to attack the government with real vigour. This will be a real asset from the back benches.