“Bottler’s Budget”: Hunt and Sunak slammed for running scared of May General Election

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

The Liberal Democrats have branded today’s statement as a “Bottler’s Budget,” after Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt seem to have ducked a May general election in a desperate attempt to cling on to power.

Conservative minister Greg Hands yesterday appeared to rule out a general election in May, while the Chancellor’s Budget today failed to include any surprise announcements or bold measures.

Instead, the Conservative government confirmed years of stealth tax hikes that will more than wipe out the meagre cuts to National Insurance announced today. The average worker will be left £383 worse over two years as a result of income tax rises, even once the National Insurance tax hikes are taken into account.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

“This will go down as the bottler’s budget. After all the hype, Jeremy Hunt failed to deliver and instead is running scared of losing his own seat.

“The Conservative Party is desperate to cling to power and people right across the country are paying the price. 

“From unfair tax hikes to an NHS on its knees, it’s clear we urgently need a General Election now so voters can kick this out-of–touch government out of office.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Data for average workers being £383 worse off:

New Lib Dem attack ad following the Budget, brewed in the Blue Wall.