Budget purdah aside, the Guardian got the leak that everyone was chasing. Patrick Wintour reports:

“The chancellor has, sources say, been intellectually persuaded of the case for a cut in the top rate, a move that will endear him to the Tory right.”

Given that this sounds like a recent conversion to basic economic principles, Guido wouldn’t be so sure about the word “endearing”. Having got in touch with Team Ed this morning, they are yet to confirm or deny that Labour would reinstate the rate, on the off chance he ever ended up in power that is.

Tricky one for him…