ECONOMY - The Chancellor will confirm the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, which showed the economy contracted by 5pc in 2009, more sharply than the 4.75pc contraction forecast by the Treasury, and more sharply than independent commentators had predicted. The Chancellor is likely to maintain his forecasts for growth this year at 1-1.5pc, which is in line with independent forecasts. - Alistair Darling has forecast growth of ... Jump to full article >>

The chief executive of Rank has played host to David Cameron and Alistair Darling at the group’s bingo and casino clubs, but the Prime Minister remains stubbornly elusive. “I’ve not yet been successful in persuading him to come and visit. I’ll keep trying,” says Burke. Burke has plenty to discuss. The 52-year old has just used the platform of Rank’s 2009 results to lay out a template for change that would see ... Jump to full article >>