Public spending

The naughtiest bit of the Government's election strategy is to delay the much-needed public spending review until after polling day. Alistair Darling said this morning there will be no emergency budget if Labour are re-elected. But in his budget speech were these chilling words for the public sector and all who live by its funding ".. it is clear that the next spending settlement from 2011 onwards will be very tough - the toughest for decades" - and Labour are apparently timetabling that settlement for November. Now it's time for journalists to pick over the spending plans issued as the Chancellor sat down, delivering £11bn of "efficiencies" (and missing targets, according to The Times).

The BBC, Unite, schools, hospitals and many more, will contemplate the year ahead with anxiety, whoever is running the country.