Cost of living crisis is ending and everyone has cheered up, says Tory MP Andrea Leadsom

Dame Andrea Leadsom has said that it is ‘critical’ that people can take more money home in their salaries
Jacob Phillips22 March 2024
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A Government minister has suggested the cost of living crisis is coming to an end after a drop in the rate of inflation “obviously cheered everyone up”.

Dame Andrea Leadsom has said that it is “critical” that people can take more money home in their salaries.

The Tory MP’s comments came after cash-strapped households were given a boost on Wednesday after inflation eased back by more than expected last month and raised hopes interest rates may soon start to come down.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation fell to 3.4% in February from 4% in January – the lowest level since September 2021.

The falling inflation does not mean prices are dropping, but that the pace of increases is slowing.

When asked on Sky News about whether the party was now united, Leadsom instead said: “I think what’s really important is we have seen a fantastic drop in inflation today. That’s what’s really important.

“That has obviously cheered everyone up, it’s what we have been working towards is seeing the cost of living crisis end ... seeing people able to take more home in their pay packets or in their salaries every day. That’s the critical point.”

Dame Andrea’s comments were quickly disputed on social media with critics quick to label the politician as “out of touch” and “fool of the week”.

The health minister also made headlines recently when she denied that Britain’s divorce from the European Union was turning into a shambles despite growing public disenchantment with Brexiteers’ false promises.

Dame Andrea, who was a prominent campaigner for Leave in 2016, argued on the fourth anniversary of Brexit that trade frictions with the EU are the "price you pay" for sovereign freedoms.

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