Treasury drops plan to sell NatWest shares to public Pictures: PA

THE Treasury's plan to sell NatWest shares to the public has been abandoned because of the General Election in July.

- Tara Fair

The Government confirmed that "a retail offer will not happen during the election period".

The announcement scuppers Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's plan for a sale scheme which evoked memories of Margaret Thatcher's 1980s privatisation programmes.

Labour has refused to comment on whether it would revive the plan if it takes office following the election.

Mr Hunt gave the City a boost in November by saying he was exploring options for a retail offer of NatWest's shares.