Economic slowdown 'highly likely'

Have been at a conference in Newscatle for last two days so having to cathc up with blog.

This is a worrying development on the horizon. Funny how economic indicators can sometimes be predicted by visible spending behaviour. Kingston shops 'appear' less busy. Trains 'appear' less crowded, but then that might just be increased capacity from the arrival of the new trains on SWT.

Certainly from an election point of view a downturning economy is no good for Labour but it is pretty difficult for the Conservatives to portray the fear of a downturning economy! Whatever else a Labour third term means higher tax and were it going to be a close run thing then the Lib Dems would join them in Government to force tax even higher.

We shall see what happens. Polls not great at the moment but then I remember the US presidential election polls six months out and Bush was a complete no hoper. The fact he even got close was a miracle!