George Osborne – non, je ne regrette rien

In David Cameron’s final speech as Prime Minister, he attempted to set out what he would like to be remembered for — focussing on progressive social change over the Brexit result. Tonight it was George Osborne’s turn. Speaking at the annual Margaret Thatcher lecture for the Centre for Policy Studies, Osborne found himself giving a speech he had expected to give as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Now on the backbenches — ‘more ex than chequer’ — Osborne used the address to defend his record in government and point to his efforts to build a fairer society. Despite his recent sacking from the Cabinet by Theresa May, Osborne said he had no regrets when it came to his role in the referendum. In reference to his doomsday warnings and punishment budgets, he conceded that he didn’t do it ‘by half-measures’ — adding that he stood by his concerns:

‘I fought hard – as hard as I could – for a different outcome to the referendum we have just held on our membership of the EU.