Realism got Starmer here. But so far he’s fighting this election with fantasy economics

Labour is throwing everything at growth and running away from thorny issues such as Brexit, tax rises and our ageing population, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff

Sunak dashed for July election because hopes of UK economic recovery are fading

Prime minister knows economy is likely to be in even worse shape by autumn or winter, but summer’s good news won’t impress a battered public

World’s largest food awards move judging panel from UK to Ireland to avoid Brexit red tape

Due to new import controls, a judging session for the Great Taste awards is being held outside the UK for the first time in 30 years

Jeremy Hunt hints Tories would cut taxes for higher earners if re-elected

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves says she too wants lower taxes for working people as both parties begin to set out economic plans

Five pieces of economic news that could affect UK election result

From unemployment to inflation, the key data the Tories and Labour must explain to voters

Economy, health, migration and more: key battlegrounds in the UK election

The struggling NHS, the climate crisis, education and childcare will be among the issues on voters’ minds

Things can only get better? For Sunak and the UK economy, this might be as good as it gets

Economies decide elections but with growth tentative, inflation sticky, and tax cuts unlikely, why would the PM wait

Jeremy Hunt’s tax cut plans face setback as government borrowing tops £20bn

ONS says budget deficit £1.5bn higher than previous year due to increased spending on benefits and weaker tax revenues

UK inflation falls by less than expected to 2.3%, reducing chance of June rate cut

Drop in April is smaller than forecast but level is still lowest in almost three years

Three years of pain: how inflation drove the UK cost of living crisis

With prices forecast to increase at their slowest pace since 2021, we look at the biggest risers in goods and services

Current and future chancellor face tough choices after IMF report on UK economy

Body says £30bn fiscal gap cannot be filled by higher growth or extra borrowing. So how will No 11 ease pressure on public finances?

Jeremy Hunt looks to cut NICs again despite IMF warning of £30bn fiscal hole

World body’s latest health check of UK economy says ‘unpopular revenue-raising measures’ may be needed

US approach to China’s rapid growth has lessons for us all

Protectionism in the form of tariffs is justified but the focus will be on whether Beijing retaliates

Jeremy Hunt accused of exaggerating Tories’ economic record

Chancellor also criticised for ‘dodgy dossier’ on Labour plans as he aims to make low tax a key election issue

How accurate are Jeremy Hunt’s claims about the UK economy?

Chancellor seems to cherrypick data as he tries to outline how the Tories have got the country back on its feet