Budget 2010 blog: Wonderful dressing, Darling

clock

Notes from the Budget: Alistair Darling does it very well. I've sat through many, and he delivers clearly, directly, smoothly.

He's not pompous, or fumbling. There are no stagey props like glasses of Scotch or Pennine water nearby, for grandstanding. It was neither too long, nor too short. He's more like an accountant than a politician, and that is a compliment. However, it was probably the most political Budget in years. Nothing that could be of any use to the Opposition or the electorate was given away, and other people's good ideas were shamelessly morphed into Labour creations. It was heavy on global macro economic explanation (‘It's not our fault, everyone has suffered', and ‘We are doing better than our pe...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Average pension transfer took just 11 days at tax year end

Average pension transfer took just 11 days at tax year end

Origo says transfer times decreased around tax year end with half taking seven days or less

Jasmine Urquhart
clock 17 June 2025 • 2 min read
Reeves eyes IHT U-turn as non-doms 'plan to leave'

Reeves eyes IHT U-turn as non-doms 'plan to leave'

‘Exodus’ fears continue to grow

Sahar Nazir
clock 17 June 2025 • 1 min read
'Not an adviser problem': Industry cites regulation as main advice gap cause

'Not an adviser problem': Industry cites regulation as main advice gap cause

‘The regulator caused it, they should fix it’

Isabel Baxter
clock 17 June 2025 • 2 min read