A senior economist who authored Labour’s 2024 manifesto has left a major financial advisory firm to join the Treasury as a key adviser, raising fresh speculation about a potential snap general election. The move comes as the chancellor seeks to bolster his team ahead of the October budget, amid economic pressures including surging oil prices and climbing government borrowing costs. The shift may signal growing political maneuvering as economic challenges intensify.
Exclusive: Economist Ravinder Athwal, who worked in Keir Starmer’s team, is poached from Flint GlobalRavinder Athwal, the economist who wrote Labour’s 2024 manifesto, is taking on a senior role as an adviser to John Healey, in a move likely to fuel speculation about an early general election.The chancellor is keen to strengthen his team before the critical budget on 28 October, as the economy is buffeted by high oil prices and rising government borrowing costs. Continue reading...
