Ed Balls: Tories should ‘come clean’ on source of £25bn for manifesto pledges

Labour will today challenge the Conservative party to explain its “panicky promises”, and where it would find the billions promised by manifesto commitments.

Labour says Tory plans, including raising NHS funding by £8bn, would represent £1,439 for every working household.

“It’s time for the Tories to come clean and explain: Where is the money coming from? How will you pay for your panicky promises? Who will pay the price?” Ed Balls is expected to say.

Using a speech in the West Midlands, Mr Balls will accuse the Tories of “taking the British people for fools” with a string of commitments they could not afford without deeper cuts. .

“The Tories think they can get away with ducking these questions. It’s no wonder David Cameron isn’t turning up to the debate tonight and has done everything he can to avoid a head-to-head debate.”