Minister forced to deny opposition claims of a 'zombie Government'

A CABINET minister denied today that Britain had a "zombie Government" as the cost-of-living crisis worsens.

- Nicholas Cecil

Education Secretary James Cleverly insisted that "Government does continue" despite the focus on the Tory leadership election.

He highlighted his response to A-levels today, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps speaking out against the RMT rail strikes and Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi responding to a string of grim economic figures.

Mr Cleverly told LBC Radio: "Government does continue, ministers are still working." However, opposition parties have accused the Government of being in a "zombie" state, with Boris Johnson having jetted off on holiday to Greece and many key decisions being left to his sucessor as Prime Minister.

Asda chairman Lord Rose, a Conservative peer, criticised the Government yesterday for a "horrifying" lack of action over the inflation crisis.

The new PM is due to be announced on September 5.