Andrew Neil hit out at Rachel Reeves for "spouting nonsense" after new figures showed the economy unexpectedly shrank last month. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 0.1% in May.

The veteran broadcaster highlighted how the Chancellor described a 0.1% reduction in monthly GDP as a "dramatic drop" three years ago while in opposition. He wrote on X: "Three years ago Reeves described a 0.1% fall in monthly GDP a ‘dramatic drop’ and demanded the then Chancellor come up with an emergency budget.

"Of course that was all nonsense, as it would be now if anybody repeated it. But we should not forget the nonsense she spouted in opposition, for which she is far more suited than government.

"Nor that she and Starmer continue to spout economic drivel with claims they’ve ’fixed the foundations’."

Ms Reeves made the comment in a post on X in May 2022. She said: "GDP figures see dramatic drop to -0.1% in March.

"This adds to the worries families already face from the cost of living crisis.

"If the PM and Cabinet come back from their away day in Staffordshire today with anything less than an emergency budget, they will have failed."

Speaking today, the Chancellor described the latest figures were "disappointing" but renewed her pledge to boost economic growth.

She said: "Getting more money in people's pockets is my number one mission.

"While today's figures are disappointing, I am determined to kickstart economic growth and deliver on that promise."

Shadow chancellor Mel Stride said the May GDP figures will "pile even further pressure for tax rises in the autumn".