Tories' fury over living costs hike

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves was yesterday hit with a fresh storm as furious Conservatives blamed her for the latest grim cost of living figures.

- By Christian Calgie Senior Political Correspondent

The Office for National Statistics confirmed inflation rose from 3.6 to 3.8% in July —almost double the rate Labour inherited from the previous Tory government.

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride accused Ms Reeves of failing families, saying the figures would be “deeply worrying” for households.

He added: “Labour’s choices to tax jobs and ramp up borrowing are pushing up costs and stoking inflation - making everyday essentials more expensive.

“With economists warning the Chancellor has blown a colossal black hole in the public finances, families and businesses are bracing for yet more pain come the autumn Budget.

“Families are paying the price for Rachel Reeves’ economic mismanagement. Britain can’t afford Labour.”