GB News Economics and Business Editor Liam Halligan has criticised the former Governor of the Bank of England for opting to wade in on party politics.
Mark Carney branded Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves a “serious economist” in a surprise video message after her conference speech.
Carney is a prominent critic of Brexit, claiming it is responsible for rising inflation.
He is not the first former public official to hint at a possible Labour backing, with career civil servant Sue Gray joining Keir Starmer as an aide.
Liam Halligan has criticised Mark Carney
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Speaking on GB News, Halligan said Carney’s comments were unwise.
“Putting my cards on the table, I was at university with Mark Carney, I’ve known the guy for a long time”, he said.
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“Having said that, I don’t think it’s right that somebody who was well paid to be an independent governor of the Bank of England, one of our most senior civil servants in the UK, recruited from Canada by Tory Chancellor George Osborne.
“I think he undermines the role of an independent Bank of England governor when he clearly enters into party politics.
“He undermines his own reputation and all previous and future governors.
“It is absolutely vital for the governor to be seen above party politics and in my view, Mark Carney has clearly entered the realm of party politics.
Labour's Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered a speech at the party conference in Liverpool
PA“I wouldn’t have done that.”
The former Governor said: “She began her career at the Bank of England, so she understands the big picture.
“But, crucially she understands the economics of work, of place and family. And, look, it is beyond time we put her energy and ideas into action.”
Reeves’ spokesman was quick to point out he has no formal advisory role in Labour.
They told the Sun that Carney does not risk “politicising the Bank of England, adding the Shadow Chancellor was “proud” to have his backing.
GB News presenter and Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg said the development was “no surprise”.
“Carney was a highly partisan governor of the Bank of England who presided over a period of unsuccessful monetary policy that led to high inflation”, he said.
"That he is a socialist supporter fits in with his Europhile and green propagandising."
