Tag: government borrowing

Burnham’s first big idea: lower your bills by raising your taxes?

It is obviously a bit harsh to judge anyone’s premiership by just one announcement on the first day, but a token cut in VAT on domestic electricity bills does not bode well. In case you missed it, the new government has announced that the rate of VAT charged on domestic electricity bills will be cut … Continue reading Burnham’s first big idea: lower your bills by raising your taxes?

Another lurch to the left under Burnham could tip the economy over

Better news on inflation might lower bond yields regardless of the changes in Downing Street. But it seems more likely that honeymoon disappointment and Budget speculation will sap confidence further. This Friday, Andy Burnham is set to be confirmed as the new leader of the Labour Party and hence as the next Prime Minister of … Continue reading Another lurch to the left under Burnham could tip the economy over

Why Gary Stevenson is wrong on (almost) everything

Mercifully, we may now be at "peak Gary", but there seems to be an endless appetite for the sort of slop he has been feeding the unfortunate for many years... If you have not yet heard of Gary Stevenson, consider yourself lucky. The self-styled “world’s top trader” turned leading economist has been a fixture on … Continue reading Why Gary Stevenson is wrong on (almost) everything

Weekly wrap: “meet the new boss, same as the old boss”?

Andy Burnham is now a shoo-in to replace Keir Starmer as PM. Indeed, he has already U-turned almost as often. But his pick as Chancellor and any talk of new fiscal rules could still move markets. Welcome to the latest weekly wrap of the key points from my social media posts. Monday 15 June On … Continue reading Weekly wrap: “meet the new boss, same as the old boss”?