George Osborne's ambitions over IMF top job prompt criticism

Former UK chancellor's austerity agenda will count against him, say opponents

George Osborne's interest in running the International Monetary Fund has met immediate criticism because of the former chancellor's austerity policies and Brexit-related question marks over the UK's international standing.

The former chancellor has signalled to friends that he views himself as a potential candidate to replace Christine Lagarde, the current head of the Washington-based fund, who was nominated to lead the European Central Bank this week.