Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Chris Ward discuss the budget.

Kirsty was a Special Adviser to Theresa May and Chris was an adviser to Sir Keir Starmer, working on several budgets with the Labour leader.

The conversation discusses the recent budget and its implications. It explores the lack of impact and ill feeling within the Conservative Party. The topic of national insurance contributions is also examined, along with the public's perception of the budget. The conversation delves into the technocratic approach and the need for a potential rethink of fiscal rules. It highlights the disappointment in the lack of surprises and the challenges faced by the Labour Party in differentiating itself from the Conservatives. We explore Keir Starmer's response to the budget and how it positions Labour for the election. Chris shares insights into the preparation and logistics of the opposition's budget response. They also discuss the economic challenges that the next government will face and the differences in economic policies between Labour and the Conservatives. The conversation touches on the role of fiscal rules in political decision making and the potential legacy of the budget.

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