Consulting firms face losing billions of pounds of government work after the Conservatives and Labour both pledged to halve spending on external advisers, according to recent poll results.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has announced an £8.6 billion tax increase plan aimed at stimulating economic growth and addressing perceived mishandlings by the Conservative government, with significant focus on funding for the NHS and education and cracking down on tax avoidance.

The International Energy Agency has predicted a significant oil surplus resulting from diminishing demand and persistent production, potentially leading to an era of lower prices.

Rishi Sunak has pledged a £17bn tax cut as part of his manifesto to revive the Conservative Party’s campaign, but this plan has been met with scepticism from the party’s right wing and analysts who question its feasibility.