Darling: I'm My Own Man

Mar 9 2008 By Mark Aitken Political Editor

Exclusive: Alistair Darling On Delivering His First Budget In The Shadow Of Gordon Brown

ALISTAIR Darling is determined to prove he's his own man when he delivers his first Budget this week.

His predecessor as Chancellor, Gordon Brown, is Prime Minister now - but Darling has vowed to make his own mark on the job.

He said yesterday: "Gordon was one of the country's most successful Chancellors, and of course he has his views.

"It would be extraordinary if he didn't. But he has never tried to be a backseat driver."

Edinburgh South West MP Darling admitted he was missing Scotland now he is in Downing Street.

And he is missing his beloved rugby too - he sacrificed going to yesterday's Calcutta Cup match between Scotland and England to concentrate on Wednesday's Budget.

While he now lives in London with his wife, former journalist Maggie Vaughan, and their cat Sybil, he tries to return to Scotland as often as possible.

Darling, who has two children, said: "I go back to Edinburgh whenever I can.

"What I really enjoy is being with my family. So much of the past 20 years I have been in London.

"I hope the winter lasts a little bit longer because otherwise the weeds and the grass in the garden are going to get out of control."

This week's Budget comes after Darling endured a turbulent eight months tackling the Northern Rock crisis, a worldwide credit crunch and the loss of computer discs containing the personal data of 25 million people.

Darling, 54, said: "Everyone knows the world is going through a pretty uncertain time. And they expect the government not to take any risks with the economy. We have to keep interest rates low, as that keeps mortgage rates low.

"We have to steer a stable course and maintain an economy that has seen record numbers of people in work."

His predecessor was the country's second-longest serving Chancellor.

Britain longest-serving was William Gladstone, who in 1853 also gave the longest ever Budget speech at four hours and 45 minutes.

While Darling, a former lawyer, is unlikely to equal that time, he is fully aware of the importance of a well-received Budget.

He said: "The Budget is a difficult speech to deliver. It is the longest speech given in the House of Commons each year.

"I am also very conscious that people will not only be listening to it in the House of Commons and in Britain but throughout the world.

"There is a lot of interest, so it is a huge responsibility."

Despite the trials of his first months, Darling maintains being Chancellor is the second best job in British politics.

He said yesterday: "You will always have ups and downs - but it is a hugely enjoyable job.

"I remember Chancellors announcing their Budgets when I was a child.

"Never for a moment did I think that one day I would be holding up the Budget box."

BUDGET BITES

Increases in duty on alcohol to tackle binge drinking.

Higher road tax on gas-guzzling vehicles such as 4x4s and sports cars but lower tax on more environmentally-friendly motors.

Taxes on plastic bags.

A new levy on aircraft passengers.

A reduction in stamp duty in a bid to help the slowing housing market.

Increases in winter fuel allowances for pensioners.

Family tax credits to be limited to lower income households in a bid to get children off the poverty line.

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