New figures from the Office for National Statistics show that UK GDP in the first quarter grew by 0.6%. In line with expectations following growth in Q4 2024 of 0.2%…
The largest growth came from services on 0.8%. The ONS says: “Real GDP per head is estimated to have increased by 0.6% in Quarter 1 2026 and is up 0.9% compared with the same quarter a year ago.” Reeves, who has been keeping quiet during the Rickety Coup, has said the figures show a leadership contest would be dangerous:
“Today’s figures show the Government has the right economic plan. The choices I have made as Chancellor mean our economy is in a stronger position as we deal with the costs of the war in Iran.
Now is not the time to put our economic stability at risk. To do so would leave families and business worse off. Instead, this Government is getting on with the job of building an economy that is stronger, more resilient, and prepared for the future.”
Won’t stop the tide against Starmer but it may convince a leadership rival to keep her in the job…
Paula Barker, Liverpool Wavertree MP backing Andy Burnham, told Times Radio there wouldn’t be trouble from the markets under Burnham:
“The markets will have to fall in line.”