Fraser Nelson Fraser Nelson

The Spectator debate: George Osborne isn’t working: we need a Plan B

Today’s downgrades from the IMF have overshadowed the Tory conference and pose an awkward question: if George Osborne’s policies were working, wouldn’t they be working by now? Is it time for a Plan B? It’s the biggest issue in British politics right now and we at The Spectator are bringing together two former Chancellors to discuss it with Andrew Neil chairing it. I thought that Coffee Housers might be interested in some details.

Alistair Darling is becoming the most powerful critic of Osborne’s policies. Ed Balls’ attacks can be written off as his usual snarling but Darling is more considered and his arguments carry more weight as a result. He is about the only finance minister in Europe to emerge through the crisis with his reputation augmented, and won Survivor of the Year in the 2009 Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year awards.

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