EASTLEIGH'S Lib Dem parliamentary candidate has called on the town's Conservative MP to oppose the Government’s “shambolic” budget.

Lib Dem parliamentary contender, Liz Jarvis, called Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-budget announcement last Friday a “reckless gamble” and urged Paul Holmes, the MP for Eastleigh, to oppose the government’s plans.

Ms Jarvis said: “Paul Holmes should listen to the concerns from our community, vote down this shambolic budget and back Liberal Democrat calls to support local people and businesses instead.

“The Chancellor’s out of touch and shambolic budget has been exposed as a reckless gamble. 

“The Conservatives are giving huge unfunded tax cuts to the banks while neglecting local health services and hammering ordinary people with years of tax hikes.”

The party is also demanding parliament be recalled this week so that urgent action can be taken to address the “unfolding disaster” the country is facing.

Ms Jarvis added: “People in Eastleigh I’ve spoken to are really concerned about receiving higher bills, higher taxes and higher mortgage payments thanks to the government’s incompetence.”

Mr Holmes accused the Lib Dems of not presenting the full facts, adding that over 31 million working people would benefit from changes to the basic rate of income tax and National Insurance contributions.

"We have also increased the threshold at which stamp duty must be paid on house purchases with extra help for first-time buyers," he said.

He added: "If Liz Jarvis really cared about local businesses, she would be welcoming the fact that the National Insurance changes save £10,000 next year for almost 1 million businesses, help that she herself has called for.

"I would also remind Liz Jarvis that we have announced a freeze on energy bills for businesses and residents."

On Friday, during what was called a ‘mini budget’, the Chancellor announced major tax cuts which include cuts to the basic rate of income tax, cancelling the UK-wide rise in corporation tax back to 19 per cent as well as scrapping the limit on bankers' bonuses.

The announcement saw the pound fall to a record low against the dollar as markets reacted to the UK’s biggest tax cuts in 50 years.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook