James Forsyth James Forsyth

Osborne’s speech gambled on voters accepting more austerity

George Osborne’s speech to Conservative conference was politically brave. He is gambling that the voting public will applaud his candour about the tough choices that the country is still facing, rather than chafing at the fact that five million working households will lose money from the freeze in working age benefits he announced today.

When questioned about the politics of this move, those close to Osborne make three arguments:

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