Sunak confirmed Hunt will be chancellor at the next election despite criticism ahead of the spring budget Political news

Rishi Sunak says he will still be chancellor at the next election after criticizing Jeremy Hunt’s lack of economic vision.

The Prime Minister confirmed to Sky News for the first time that Mr Hunt will remain chancellor at the next general election in January 2025.

“Of course,” Mr Sunak said when asked by Sky News deputy political editor Sam Coates.

Mr Hunt came under fire from business leaders in January after his keynote speech on the government’s plan to boost economic growth, as they complained he did not propose new policies.

The chancellor also reported on the upcoming spring budget. he will announce on WednesdayDespite calls from some Tory MPs, it will not include major tax cuts as the focus needs to be on tackling high inflation.

But the budget fulfills three economic commitments Mr Sunak made when he became prime minister: halving inflation, growing the economy and reducing debt.

“It is important to get the salaries of civil servants right, it is important to reduce the debt so that we do not pass the burden on to the next generation,” he said.

“It will also ensure that we keep inflation low and interest rates low.”

What to look for in Jeremy Hunt’s first budget

Mr Sunak admitted that recent high interest rates had “damaged” banks, citing that the UK arm of a Silicon Valley bank was due to be bailed out on Monday after its US parent company collapsed. United, America SVB.

The Prime Minister said the Government and Mr Hunt were committed to growing the economy “in the best way possible to provide jobs for people across the country”.

“That’s what the chancellor will deliver on Wednesday, the government will deliver,” he added.

“People need to be assured that we have already delivered, we have made huge improvements since I became prime minister last year and we will continue to deliver.”