UK services PMI hits eight-month high

Ahead of the election, services PMI follows much weaker-than-expected equivalent surveys from the manufacturing and construction industries

The government was handed a last-minute election boost after the last major piece of economic news before the polls signalled a booming UK services sector, easing fears of a sharp slowdown in the wider economy.

Growth in the sector, which accounts for roughly three-quarters of the UK economy and includes areas such as bars, restaurants and transport, was stronger than economists predicted, hitting an eight-month high in April.

Proof our long-term plan is working and we should stay on the road to a brighter future: UK services growth hit an 8-month high in April.