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Tory conference: Hunt says civil service will not increase in size

The chancellor says there are 66,000 more civil servants than before the pandemic, but that will be cut to save £1bn a year.

Jeremy Hunt said the number will be cut back to pre-Covid numbers, and he said there would a change to "quality and diversity initiatives".

He added: "New policies should not always mean new people"

People not looking for work don't deserve same benefits, Hunt tells Tories

2 October 2023

Conservative Party Conference

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Jeremy Hunt

Reeves 'trying to hoodwink' voters over tax and spending - Jeremy Hunt

Rachel Reeves

Previous government made 'unfunded' spending promises - Reeves

Adrian Ramsay

Greens tax plans 'fairly normal' by European standards - Ramsay

Rishi Sunak

Sunak: Our plan is working, delivering brighter Britain

SIr Keir Starmer

Starmer 'fully confident' Rayner has not broken rules

Jeremy Hunt

Watch: Tories will keep 'triple lock' on pensions - chancellor

Jeremy Hunt at the House of Commons with a smaller photo inset of BBC News journalist Gareth Lewis

What does the Budget announcement mean for Wales?

Jeremy Hunt

Hunt heralds 'decisive step' to bring taxes down

From 6 April the benefit charge would go up to £60,000, the chancellor says.

Watch: Chancellor raises child benefit income threshold

Jeremy Hunt

Watch: Chancellor announces 2p National Insurance cut

Jeremy Hunt

Hunt: UK growth higher than every large European economy

Stephen Flynn

SNP: Scottish wealth and jobs 'all a game to Westminster'

The finance secretary said an improved infrastructure would "help the economy grow".

Robison calls on Hunt to invest in public services

Jeremy Hunt

Hunt: We will only cut taxes in a responsible way

Jeremy Hunt talking

Hunt: 'We expected growth to be weaker'

Chris Mason and Jeremy Hunt

Chancellor denies Rishi Sunak made trans joke

Jeremy Hunt and Chris Mason

Jeremy Hunt challenged on claim economy is growing

Jeremy Hunt

Benefits to end for people deemed fit to work who refuse to

Jeremy Hunt

Refunds for slow planning decisions - chancellor

Jeremy Hunt

£500m for AI 'innovation centres' announced by chancellor

Lindsay Hoyle dragged by both arms

Watch: Moment Speaker dragged to Commons chair

In a traditional part of the process, the successful candidate pretends to be reluctant to take up the role.

Correspondent Ben Chu

Quick take on Labour's energy plan

BBC Verify's Ben Chu on what to make of Labour’s plans to decarbonise UK electricity production.

Chris Mason and Mark Logan

Watch: Former Tory MP says he is backing Labour

The former Conservative MP for Bolton North East has told the BBC he now supports Labour.

Factory workers in Milton Keynes

Watch: Party leaders on the campaign trail

Political party leaders have been out and about campaigning ahead of the general election.

Keir Starmer

I want the highest quality candidates - Starmer

The Labour leader says he wants the "highest quality" candidates to put to the voters.

Carla Denyer

Greens launch campaign target of 'at least four' MPs

The Green Party of England and Wales launch their election campaign in Bristol.

Faiza Shaheen talking on BBC Newsnight

Labour candidate says she's been blocked from standing

Faiza Shaheen says she's was told she will not be Labour's candidate after allegedly liking antisemitic posts on X.

Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak tells Chris Mason: Yes, I am changing minds

The PM tells the BBC's political editor he is "thoroughly enjoying" himself out meeting voters in the election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer wearing a suit and a brown tie

Not true Abbott barred from standing - Starmer

The Labour leader says no decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbott.

Keir Starmer

Starmer pleased Rayner has been 'vindicated'

Labour's leader says he always had confidence in his deputy with the row over her council house sale.

Ed Davey falls from a paddle board

Going, going, gone: Ed Davey takes a dip in Windermere

The Liberal Democrats leader was paddle boarding on Lake Windermere in the Lake District.

Rishi Sunak

Watch: PM criticises Sir Keir Starmer's campaign speeches

The prime minister accused Labour's Sir Keir Starmer of "not having the courage" to tell voters about Labour ideas.

Nigel Farage

Labour and Tories are both 'social democrats', says Farage

Nigel Farage was speaking in Dover, as part of his campaign for Reform UK.

Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer asked if there's a 'lack of enthusiasm' for Labour

Labour leader Keir Starmer is pressed on whether there's a perceived lack of enthusiasm for his party.

Rachel Reeves

Reeves: No return to austerity under Labour

The shadow chancellor is quizzed on her economic plans should Labour win the general election.

Rishi Sunak

Sunak 'disappointed' smoking ban bill did not get through

The PM says he "stepped up to do something that is bold" over his bid to phase out smoking.

Craig Mackinlay MP

Watch: Limb loss MP on his return to Parliament

Craig Mackinlay says he was met by "a storm" of noise when he returned to the House of Commons

Rishi Sunak

Oops! Sunak asks if Welsh are looking forward to Euros

On a campaign trip, the PM asks voters if they will watch the football tournament, even though Wales did not qualify.

Richard Tice

Tories 'terrified' of Reform Party - Richard Tice

The Reform Party leader says Rishi Sunak "bottled it" over calling a surprise general election for July.

Sir Keir Starmer

A vote for Labour is a vote to stop the chaos - Starmer

On the first full day of election campaigning the Labour leader says "nothing will change" if the Conservatives get back into power on July 5.