Darling interview

Mr Darling's interview is being called 'indiscrete'

Monday, 01, Sep 2008 12:00

Chancellor Alistair Darling has given an assessment of the economy which is considerably darker than any previously coming from Downing Street.

In an interview with the Guardian, Mr Darling said the UK could be facing the worst economic times for 60 years.

The comments, in one of his first in-depth interviews, have provoked furious speculation in Westminster.

Opposition parties are asking why the messages from No 10 and No 11 are so different, and whether this represents division deep in the heart of government.

Some anonymous backbenchers are even calling for Mr Darling to be sacked.