Former Tory Cabinet Minister Ann Widdecombe has lamented Jeremy Hunt as a "failed" chancellor as he prepares to unveil his Budget.
Hunt is under pressure to introduce tax cuts from fellow Tory MPs as they desperately seek tangible offers to entice voters into backing them.
The Tories continue to falter in the polls with recent by-elections painting a bleak image for Rishi Sunak's party ahead of the general election, which is expected to take place this year.
Asked about “going to war” on Whitehall waste by axing civil service jobs, Widdecombe said that while it would “make a difference”, she is perplexed as to why it has not yet taken place.
“What have you been doing?”, she asked.
“Why suddenly discover Whitehall waste just in the run up to a general election?”
“Silly man. Does he think anybody’s fooled by that now?”
