DAN HODGES: Kemi is in danger of falling into a carefully prepared Labour trap over the Budget – which ends in a snap election

The article argues that Kemi Badenoch’s criticism of Labour’s economic record may be accurate, but that opposition parties risk misreading the politics of the coming Budget. It says the gloomy expectations could be part of a strategy by Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government to present a relatively mild Budget as protecting voters.

A minister quoted in the article expects the Budget to be “broadly neutral”, with some tax rises focused on businesses and banks and limited changes elsewhere. The piece cites an upgraded UK growth forecast of 1.3 per cent, compared with 1 per cent previously, and says inflation is expected to fall in 2027. It suggests Burnham may use the Budget to strengthen his position ahead of a possible snap election early next year.