Brown shouldn’t expect a Budget bounce

A thought-provoking article from Martin Kettle in today’s Guardian.  He makes the point that the worsening economy, and a heavy defeat for Labour in this year’s European elections, could encourage calls for a national government.  But he also mentions the moments when Team Brown might expect to claw back some ground on the Tories:

“The 2009 political calendar offers a few openings for ministers to take charge of the agenda, such as the G20 London summit and, more significantly, the budget, out of which a popular political leader might hope to conjure fresh support.”

Here on Coffee House, we’ve already raised a sceptical eyebrow or two at the idea the G20 will give Brown a boost.  But what of this year’s Budget?  Could that help Brown recoup some political capital?

The signs certainly aren’t promising for Labour Central.  Looking back over the historical