Spending Review - the full report

Spending Review 2010

Alan Johnson urges government to rethink

Shadow Chancellor Alan Johnson today reiterated the Labour Party's commitment to reducing the deficit in four years. In a short speech which lacked detail, he argued for "targeted tax changes" to play a bigger role in deficit reduction and economic recovery.

In his first speech since being appointed to the Shadow Cabinet, Johnson lamented the Coalition for making unfair choices on a number of measures and taking a "reckless gamble", but did state that Labour would not oppose all the cuts implemented. Johnson consistently referred to growth throughout his speech, claiming that Coalition policy endangered recovery.

Overall, a speech which illuminated the direction Labour plan to head on the economy, in which he stated "speed does matter". In short, Labour's growth plan v's the Coalition's dangerous austerity plan. 

Bonfire of the quangos: the complete list

2010 10 14 Public Bodies List FINAL

Beginners luck?

An initially nervous performance from Ed Miliband in his first outing at PMQs progressed into a sure footed attack on the Government’s controversial child benefit policy. Miliband’s questions focused on the specific affects the new policy will have on middle income families, the PM responded with a general defence of the Government’s agenda and lamented Labour for leaving the country in such a dire economic state.

Overall, a solid first performance from Ed Miliband which will slightly worry Cameron’s team, though they will be aware that Ed can only attack for so long, before presenting alternatives. The Labour team are attempting to do just that in time for the CSR next week. Interestingly Ed’s brother had private engagements today and couldn’t make it to the chamber. 

The new shadow cabinet...

Leader of the Opposition    
Rt. Hon. Ed Miliband MP

Deputy Leader and Shadow Secretary of State for International Development    
Rt Hon Harriet Harman MP

Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer    
Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and Minister for Women and Equalities    
Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP

Shadow Secretary of State for the Home Department    
Rt Hon Ed Balls MP

Chief Whip    
Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Election Coordinator    
Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP

Shadow Lord Chancellor, Secretary of State for Justice
Rt Hon Sadiq Khan MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions    
Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills    
Rt Hon John Denham MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Health    
Rt Hon John Healey MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government    
Rt Hon Caroline Flint MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Defence    
Rt Hon Jim Murphy

Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change    
Meg Hillier MP

Shadow Leader of the House of Commons    
Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP
Shadow Secretary of State for Transport    
Maria Eagle MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs    
Mary Creagh MP

Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury    
Angela Eagle MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland    
Rt Hon Shaun Woodward MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland    
Ann McKechin MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Wales    
Rt Hon Peter Hain MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport    
Ivan Lewis MP

Shadow Leader of the House of Lords    
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon

Shadow Minister for the Olympics    
Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP

Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office    
Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP

Lords Chief Whip    
Lord Bassam of Brighton

Shadow Attorney-General    
Baroness Scotland