Labour’s doom-and-gloom messaging on the economy risks backfiring

Some in the party worry that constant reference to the financial black hole' left by the Tories could dent consumer and business confidence

While most of the nation were enjoying the late August sunshine and the news that Oasis are getting back together, it seemed an odd moment for Keir Starmer to bring everyone back down to earth with a bump.

But his gloom-laden speech in the Downing Street garden on Tuesday did just that. I have to be honest with you: things are worse than we ever imagined," the prime minister told his hand-picked audience.