Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that inflation rose to 3% in January. Economists were expecting an increase from 2.5% to 2.8%…
That is more than expected and is the highest rate since March last year. Last month saw an unexpected dip to 2.5% from 2.6% in November – the first fall in three months. Air fares not falling by as much as they usually do is partly blamed by the ONS, as are private school VAT-added fees and the cost of food and drink. Ouch…
Reeves says in response: “Since the election we’ve seen year on year wages after inflation growing at their fastest rate – worth an extra £1,000 a year on average – but I know that millions of families are still struggling to make ends meet.” Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride says “today’s inflation figures mean further pain for family finances – and it’s thanks to the Labour Chancellor’s record tax hikes and inflation busting pay rises.“ Not a great start to the year…
Kemi Badenoch at the 1922-ConHome bash last night:
“I did praise [Burnham] for his stamina, it was amazing. All I had to do was sit back and lie there. I didn’t have to do anything at all…”