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Boris Johnson’s spending spree fuels rumours of early UK election

  • The British prime minister has announced spending pledges at a rate of about £2 billion per week since coming to power
  • But economists say he’s trying to fix political rather than economic problems

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Photo: AP
Bloomberg
Since becoming British prime minister less than three weeks ago, Boris Johnson has announced spending pledges at a rate of about £2 billion (US$2.4 billion) per week, fuelling speculation he is planning for an early election.
On Sunday, he said he would spend as much as £2.5 billion on prisons as part of his promise to crackdown on crime. That follows a £1.8 billion cash boost for the National Health Service and a £2.1 billion allocation for no-deal Brexit preparations.

More funding is expected after the treasury on Thursday began a one-year spending review for government departments that will focus on commitments Johnson made since taking office, including funding for schools, police and the NHS. It’s set to conclude next month, as Britain nears the October 31 deadline to leave the European Union and could be going to the polls for an early general election.
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With a wafer thin majority in parliament of just one, Johnson risks being forced into an early general election if he cannot get backing for his Brexit plans. He has promised to deliver Brexit by Halloween, with or without a deal – “do or die” – and his opponents see a vote of no confidence as one of the only ways to stop him. The government privately accepts an election is inevitable, according to one official.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn says he will call a vote of no confidence in Johnson’s government. Photo: AFP
Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn says he will call a vote of no confidence in Johnson’s government. Photo: AFP
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Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn signalled he will call a vote of no confidence soon after parliament returns from summer recess, in a bid to prevent an economically damaging no-deal Brexit. He could succeed, triggering a general election if he gains support from enough rebel Conservative Party lawmakers.

A government official said that they do not comment on hypothetical questions and it is not policy to hold a general election. A spokesman for the treasury said the spending round will deliver investment in public services for after Brexit.

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