Ed Balls: GDP figures show the Tories have not fixed the economy

Ed Balls, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, has said that the Conservatives have spent months “patting themselves on the back” but that the figures show that the economy is “not fixed”.

He said: “Tory economic policy may be helping a few at the top but for most people bills have gone up faster than wages, which are down £1600 a year since 2010.

“And now these disappointing figures show economic growth slowing down too. The Tories just don’t understand that Britain only succeeds when working people succeed.

“Working families can’t afford another five years of the Tories. Labour’s better plan will put working people first, make our economy stronger and ensure the recovery reaches everyone in every part of the country.”

He says Labour’s plan will create higher living standards, raise the minimum wafe, cut business rates and expand free childcare.