Economic climate worst in 60 years, says Darling

"Profound" economic downturn coming, according to the chancellor

Saturday, 30, Aug 2008 12:00

The present economic climate is "arguably the worst" in the last 60 years, according to the chancellor Alistair Darling.

In an interview with the Guardian newspaper, the man charged with running the country's economy said that the economic troubles were likely to worsen in the coming future.

Mr Darling told the newspaper the international economic environment faced serious challenges and was likely to be "more profound and long-lasting than people thought".

He also admitted that the Labour party had made mistakes in outlining its policies which had led to discontent among voters, adding that the next 12 months would be a stern test for the party.

Mr Darling said: "We've got our work cut out. This coming 12 months will be the most difficult 12 months the Labour party has had in a generation.

"We've got to rediscover that zeal which won three elections, and that is a huge problem for us at the moment. People are p****d off with us.

"We really have to make our minds up; are we ready to try and persuade this country to support us for another term? Because the next 12 months are critical. It's still there to play for," he told the newspaper.

In the interview, Mr Darling also spoke about infighting within the party ranks as he revealed that some of his colleagues had tried to unseat him from his position.

"There's lots of people who'd like to do my job. And no doubt, [some] actively trying to do it," he said.