I thought that a note of explanation is required on how I will be covering the Budget this week, because I will not be covering it in the way that I planned.<\/p>\n
For well over a decade I have been offering budget commentary on whatever a Chancellor has had to say while sitting in Jeremy Vines\u2019 studio at BBC Radio 2. Doing so, I have always been in the company of a right-wing commentator, most usually Mark Littlewood during the period when he was chief executive of the Institute of Economic Affairs. I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity that his has provided to tear apart what both Tory chancellors and Mark have had to say for the benefit of up to seven million listeners.<\/p>\n
The plan agreed with the BBC was that I would be taking part in that discussion again this year, and arrangements were in place. However, plans do not always work out, and the wife of a colleague and close friend of mine died earlier this week. Her funeral will be on Wednesday and I will be there instead of joining the BBC. As I will also be travelling and staying away for the funeral the pattern of this week\u2019s videos and blogs is, at least on Wednesday and Thursday, uncertain.<\/p>\n
This might also mean that my usual Twitter commentary on the Budget is unlikely to happen. Although the funeral formalities might be over by then I very much doubt that the wake will be, so when, if, and how I may comment on the budget will be very much a matter of waiting to see what circumstances permit.<\/p>\n
I am sure that you will understand, just as much as the BBC did.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"