Even in a budget that sought to rehabilitate the party in the eyes of ordinary people, they couldn’t resist making the rich richer
Something old, something new. Something borrowed, and something for “red wall” voters deserting the Conservatives en masse.
Like a penitent spouse trying to renew some decidedly tattered wedding vows, Jeremy Hunt this week delivered a budget dressed up as a plea for forgiveness. This government is desperate to present itself at the electoral altar next year as a virgin administration, its wild fling with Liz Truss conveniently forgotten. Something old? That would be the return of basic competence, and a government that doesn’t leave wine stains on the walls or wipe billions off the stock market by accident.
Gaby Hinsliff is a Guardian columnist
