Osborne says only the Conservatives offer progressive reforms

Addressing the think-tank Demos, George Osborne argued that the Conservative Party is now the most powerful vehicle for change in this country - and the best hope for radicals and progressives.

The Shadow Chancellor said Labour has abandoned progressive politics by "Pursuing a course of illiberalism , centralisation, fiscal incontinence and opposition to meaningful public service reform."

He added: "There is nothing progressive about out-of-control spending that the poorest end up having to pay for, and nothing fair about huge national debts that future generations are left having to pay for."

And George stressed, "We face a choice between progressive reform with the Conservatives and front line cuts under Labour."