THE Government’s reputation for economic competence is in tatters. Spreadsheet Phil’s latest Budget has unravelled in less than a week with a massive U-turn following his plan to raise National Insurance contributions on the self-employed. This isn’t the first climbdown in the face of fierce opposition.

It is part of a pattern of behaviour following nearly every Chancellor’s Budget since 2010.

The Government has been forced to back down on announced cuts to disability benefits since 2015. Then there was the “omnishambles” Budget during 2012 in which George Osborne was forced to reverse a number of measures including a charity tax and embarrassing pasty tax. When you consider that this government has borrowed more than nearly any other in history and has even junked its own fiscal rule, You have to wonder why the Tory poll lead is so high.

To some extent, that is a reflection on Labour’s own failure to break through with a credible, distinctive, economic message.

The Tories may break their manifesto promises on tax or continue to heap a world of pain on the most vulnerable, yet somehow, the official opposition is failing to pack a punch.

But therein lies a golden opportunity.

If Labour can regain its reputation for economic competence, putting fairness and investment at the heart of a post-Brexit UK, then the 2020 election could yet turn out to be more competitive than most pundits think.

It’s time to cast away the introspection and gloom that has dogged the party since the EU referendum and begin the task of building a more socially democratic, global Britain.

Councillor Tom Bewick represents Westbourne ward, Hove