Reeves 'directly to blame' as UK economy shrinks

RACHEL Reeves’ “economic mismanagement” has been blamed for the economy’s unexpected shrinking in the run-up to the Budget.

- BY STEPH SPYRO Deputy Political Editor

Official figures released yesterday showed the economy contracted for the second month running in October by 0.1% following a 0.1% decline in September.

Most economists expected a rise of 0.1% for October, with hopes of a manufacturing bounce back led by Jaguar Land Rover's recovery from a major cyber attack.

But Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride said yesterday the latest GDP blow was “a direct result of Labour's economic mismanagement”.

Grenades

He added: “Rachel Reeves promised growth but Labour has no plan for the economy — just their own survival. That’s why Reeves presented a Benefits Budget that rewards welfare, not work.