Full Breakdown
Andrew Griffith Defends Fiscal Record Amid Grilling Over Truss Mini-Budget
9/7/2026, 12:12:09 PM
Core Event
Andrew Griffith, newly appointed Shadow Chancellor, was questioned on GB News about his fiscal responsibility after serving as a Treasury minister during Liz Truss’s “mini-Budget.” Host Camilla Tominey asked whether he could be trusted with the UK’s economy, citing the budget’s role in “nearly breaking the British economy.” Griffith responded that the only person accountable for the budget was Prime Minister Truss and emphasized his private-sector experience of 25 years.
Background & Context
The September 2022 mini-Budget introduced by Truss and Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng featured large tax cuts funded by borrowing, which market turmoil and rising interest rates later described as “almost breaking the UK economy.” The episode led to a sharp depreciation of the pound and a loss of confidence in fiscal policy, prompting a rapid reversal of many measures.
Official Statements & Responses
Griffith asserted that his role at the time was “very junior” and did not involve tax-spending decisions. He highlighted his decade-long tenure as finance director of a major UK company and pledged to produce “fully costed” plans for defence spending and any promised tax cuts. He framed his approach as rooted in “accountancy” and private-sector lessons, insisting that future Conservative policies would be “fully costed” and transparent about funding sources.
Criticism & Opposition
She also referenced Griffith’s earlier praise of the Truss budget, asking whether he had been “quite keen on that mini-budget.” Griffith countered that the budget’s “one fatal flaw” was the lack of a clear funding source, a problem he said the current government also faces.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Look, Mel did a great job. He vanquished Rachel Reeves, that played a core part in getting rid of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say” — Kemi's
