'Abuse of power': Boris Johnson forced to drop plan to use civil service to cost Labour policies
independent.co.uk/news/uk/politi…
independent.co.uk/news/uk/politi…
McDonnell contacted civil service this morning raging at reports Treasury had been asked to cost pledges.
"It's absolutely scandalous," he says.
"I don't know any other government in the past that has ever done this literally within hours of a general election campaign."
"It's absolutely scandalous," he says.
"I don't know any other government in the past that has ever done this literally within hours of a general election campaign."
The Cabinet Office then contacted Labour later this afternoon.
In an email they said: "To confirm our conversation these costings will not be published."
In an email they said: "To confirm our conversation these costings will not be published."
Labour source adds: "It's a slap in the face for Tory ministers who blatantly attempted to use the civil service for political ends in an unprecedented way."
More here from @Steven_Swinford on Javid's reaction
