Why the RPI will widen the Gulf between Darling and Brown

Andrew Neil has an interesting perspective on the inflation figures.

Writing on the Spectator Coffee House,he argues the following

The political fallout from this morning's surprise figures is clear: the Chancellor's attempts, with the backing of the Treasury, to see off Gordon Brown's pressure for yet more fiscal stimulus in his April 22 budget have been strengthened. Yesterday the Chancellor could point to the support of the head of the European Central Bank, who came out against further stimulus, as have the President of France and the Chancellor of Germany. Last night the boss of the IMF was also sniffy about another boost. Now the Chancellor can point to an inflation rate over 50 percent above the government's official target as another reason why he shouldn't take any more risks with the economy.