Jeremy Hunt has warned the next two years will be “challenging” as defended his autumn statement and tax hikes.
The chancellor told Sky News his autumn statement package will help get the economy “on an even keel”, but added: “Over the next two years it is going to be challenging.
“But I think people want a government that is taking difficult decisions, has a plan that will bring down inflation, stop those big rises in the cost of energy bills and the weekly shop, and at the same time is taking measures to get through this difficult period.”
He told ITV’s Peston programme: “I think that a Conservative chancellor who stands up in the Commons and announced £25 billion of tax rises, I don’t think anyone would say that is deferring a horrible decision.”
Former cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg was among those within Mr Hunt’s party who criticised the statement, accusing the chancellor of taking the “easy option” of putting up taxes.
