101-680: George Gideon Oliver Osborne CH (born 23 May 1971) is a British retired politician and newspaper editor who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2010 to 2016 and as First Secretary of State from 2015 to 2016 in the Cameron government . A member of the Conservative Party , he was Member of Parliament (MP) for Tatton from 2001 to 2017. The son of the Osborne & Little co-founder and baronet Peter Osborne , Osborne
202-518: A cap on the overall amount of benefits a family can receive from the state, estimated to be around £500 a week from 2013. He also announced that he would end the universal entitlement to child benefit , and that from 2013 the entitlement would be removed from people paying the 40% and 50% income tax rates. In February 2011 Osborne announced Project Merlin , whereby banks aimed to lend about £190 billion to businesses in 2011, curb bonuses and reveal some salary details of their top earners; meanwhile,
303-699: A special adviser to Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Douglas Hogg (during the BSE crisis), and in the Political Office at 10 Downing Street . Osborne worked on Prime Minister John Major 's campaign team in 1997, in the run-up to the Tories' heavy election defeat that year . After the election, he again considered journalism, approaching The Times to be a leader writer, though nothing came of it. Between 1997 and 2001 he worked for William Hague , Major's successor as Conservative Party leader, as
404-467: A New Zealand soprano, was given the award in 2018 and Canadian author Margaret Atwood was given the award in 2019. Sebastian Coe , Baron Coe CH represented the Order at the 2023 Coronation . The insignia of the order is in the form of an oval medallion, surmounted by a royal crown (but, until recently, surmounted by an imperial crown ), and with a rectangular panel within, depicting on it an oak tree,
505-480: A candidate in that year's party leadership election , stating he was "not the person to provide the unity" his party needed. Osborne was sacked by Theresa May on 13 July 2016, following her appointment as Prime Minister. He returned to the backbenches and Philip Hammond replaced him as Chancellor. It was announced on 4 August 2016 that Osborne was to be made a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in
606-481: A complaint from a Labour activist, and it also emerged that he had claimed £47 for two copies of a DVD of his own speech on "value for taxpayers' money". The report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards found that although Osborne had breached the rules, the offence was "unintended and relatively minor". Osborne said he had received "flawed" advice and not benefited personally. During
707-503: A conflict of interest and devalued the role of an MP. He was also accused of breaking the post-ministerial employment rules of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments by accepting the editorship without the committee's approval. Private Eye subsequently documented in detail the relationship between Osborne and Standard owner Evgeny Lebedev , who appointed Osborne as editor. During Osborne's time as Chancellor of
808-542: A daily to weekly print publication as it was unprofitable. The newspaper had dropped from about 70 to 30 pages in the preceding decade. The change was made by Lebedev under pressure by Sultan Muhammad Abuljadayel, who has owned a 30% stake in the Evening Standard ' s parent company since 2018. On 14 June 2024, the newspaper announced it would eliminate 150 jobs. The redundancies included 70 editorial workers (out of 120), 40 office workers and 45 workers from
909-411: A high-profile campaign that backfired. In the 1960s, the paper was upstaged by The Evening News , which sold more than 1 million copies nightly. During the decade, the paper also began to publish the comic strip Modesty Blaise , which bolstered its sales throughout the 1970s. The Evening Standard ceased publishing on Saturdays on 30 November 1974, when it still produced six editions daily. In
1010-482: A partner and chairman. In mid-2018, the Standard reported a loss of £10 million for the last year to the end of September. That year the paper dropped 'London' from its title to reflect greater national and international ambitions as part of a relaunch. For 2018, the Standard reported a £11.5 million loss amid speculation of "ad struggles". In February 2020, questions were raised about Osborne's future at
1111-576: A potential future leader of the Conservatives were Cameron to stand down and trigger a leadership contest, despite being seen as a relatively unpopular figure with the general public. Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi suggested that the closeness of his relationship with Cameron meant the two effectively shared power in the 2010–16 government, whilst commentators pointed to Osborne's hand in Cabinet reshuffles. He worked hard on rebuilding his image after
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#17327801832281212-491: A priority when coming to power—for the first time since 1978. His March 2013 budget was made when the Office for Budget Responsibility had halved its forecast for that year's economic growth from 1.2% to 0.6%. Osborne announced on 16 May that he would deliver a second Budget on 8 July , and promised action on tax avoidance by the rich by bringing in a " Google tax " designed to discourage large companies diverting profits out of
1313-616: A quota of 45 members for the United Kingdom , seven for Australia , two each for New Zealand and South Africa , and nine for India , Burma , and the other British colonies . The quota numbers were altered in 1970 to 47 for the United Kingdom, seven for Australia, two for New Zealand, and nine for other Commonwealth realms. The quota was adjusted again in 1975 by adding two places to the New Zealand quota and reducing
1414-558: A result, he was able to claim up to £100,000 in mortgage interest on the house and paddock between 2003 and 2010, when the regulations changed. In 2012 it was revealed that the paddock had been legally separate from the farmhouse. The Liberal Democrats said he had a "moral obligation" to pay an estimated £55,000 in capital gains tax to the public purse which he had saved through the designation or "flipping" of his London property as his main home. He had previously paid back £1,193 spent on chauffeur fares and overpayments on his mortgage after
1515-570: A result. There were often considerable changes between editions in the front-page lead and the following news pages, including the Londoner's Diary , though features and reviews stayed the same. In January 2010, circulation was increased to 900,000. In May 2009, the newspaper launched a series of poster ads, each of which prominently featured the word "Sorry" in the paper's then-masthead font. These ads offered various apologies for past editorial approaches, such as "Sorry for losing touch". None of
1616-479: A rise in political instability . Osborne was born in Paddington , London, as Gideon Oliver Osborne. His father is Sir Peter Osborne, 17th Baronet , co-founder of the firm of fabric and wallpaper designers Osborne & Little . His mother is Felicity Alexandra Loxton-Peacock, the daughter of Hungarian-born Jewish artist Clarisse Loxton-Peacock ( née Fehér). He is the eldest of four boys. He decided when he
1717-597: A shield with the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom hanging from one branch, and, on the left, a mounted knight in armour. The insignia's blue border bears in gold letters the motto IN ACTION FAITHFUL AND IN HONOUR CLEAR , Alexander Pope 's description (in iambic pentameter ) in his Epistle to Mr Addison of James Craggs the Younger , later used on Craggs's monument in Westminster Abbey . Men wear
1818-510: A speechwriter and political secretary to Major's successor as party leader, William Hague . Osborne was elected as MP for Tatton in 2001, becoming the youngest Conservative member of the House of Commons . He was appointed Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury by Conservative leader Michael Howard in 2004. The following year he ran David Cameron 's successful party leadership campaign , and
1919-692: A speechwriter and political secretary. He helped to prepare Hague for the weekly session of Prime Minister's Questions , often playing the role of Prime Minister Tony Blair . Under the subsequent leaderships of Michael Howard and David Cameron , he remained on the Prime Minister's Questions team. Osborne was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tatton , Cheshire, at the June 2001 election . He succeeded Independent MP Martin Bell , who had defeated
2020-642: A steep rise in inequality. While the Gini coefficient for disposable income in 2011–12 fell to 32.3 per cent, the lowest level since 1986, it quickly rose again. Reviewing his performance in July 2016, The Guardian said that the UK still had a budget deficit of 4%, a balance-of-payments (trade) deficit of 7% of GDP, and (apart from Italy) the worst productivity among the G7 nations. An Office for National Statistics graph including
2121-570: A sugar tax and raised the tax-free allowance for income tax to £11,500, as well as lifting the 40% income tax threshold to £45,000. According to The Guardian , Osborne was "the driving force" behind the BBC licence fee agreement which saw the BBC responsible for funding the £700 million welfare cost of free TV licences for the over-75s, meaning that it lost almost 20% of its income. The Guardian also noted Osborne's four meetings with News Corp representatives and two meetings with Rupert Murdoch before
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#17327801832282222-462: A tradition of providing arts coverage. Its best known former art critic, Brian Sewell , was known for his acerbic view of conceptual art , Britart and the Turner Prize and his views attracted controversy and criticism in the art world. He has been described as "Britain's most famous and controversial art critic". During the 2008 London mayoral election , the newspaper – and particularly
2323-561: A violation of the law against political donations by foreign citizens. Rothschild had hosted Deripaska, Osborne, Peter Mandelson and others at a party in his villa in Corfu . The alleged solicitation of a donation occurred on Deripaska's yacht during the party. The Electoral Commission received a formal complaint initiated in a letter by the Liberal Democrats ' Home Affairs spokesperson , Chris Huhne , urging them to investigate
2424-566: A week. The job was approved by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments , which stated that during Osborne's time as Chancellor "there were no specific policy decisions ... that would have affected BlackRock", and the Permanent Secretary at the Treasury had "no concerns" about Osborne taking up the role. In 2017, Osborne became the first Kissinger Fellow at the McCain Institute for International Leadership. While
2525-717: A year before leaving public office at the 2017 general election . He was editor of the Evening Standard from 2017 to 2020. He has been chair of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP) since 2016 and of the British Museum since 2021. Osborne's chancellorship has been subject to critical assessment. His austerity measures are generally now viewed as having failed to reduce unemployment, lower interest rates, or stimulate growth, and have been linked to worsened inequality and poverty and
2626-477: Is hawkish on foreign policy with links to Washington neo-conservatives and ideologically committed to cutting the state. A pragmatic Eurosceptic ". There is evidence of this commitment to cutting the state in his party's manifesto , with Osborne and the Conservatives seeking to cut the deficit "faster and deeper" than any other main party as well as committing to various tax cuts such as inheritance tax and national insurance . According to an IFS report before
2727-572: Is to inherit his father's baronetcy ; he would thus become Sir George Osborne, 18th Baronet. Osborne was educated at private schools: Norland Place School , Colet Court and St Paul's School . In 1990 he started his undergraduate study at the University of Oxford where he was awarded a demyship at Magdalen College, Oxford , and in 1993, he received a upper second class (2:1) bachelor's degree in Modern History . Whilst there, he
2828-509: The 2024 London mayoral election , the Evening Standard endorsed Labour candidate Sadiq Khan for Mayor of London. The Evening Standard later endorsed the Labour Party in the 2024 United Kingdom general election . On 14 December 2004, Associated Newspapers launched a Monday–Friday freesheet edition of the Evening Standard called Standard Lite to help boost circulation. This edition had 48 pages, compared with about 80 in
2929-704: The American Civil War (1861–1865), the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, and the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, all contributing to a rise in circulation. By the end of the 19th century, the evening edition eclipsed its morning counterpart. Both The Standard and the Evening Standard were acquired by C. Arthur Pearson in 1904. In May 1915, Edward Hulton purchased the Evening Standard from Davison Dalziel . Dalziel had purchased both papers in 1910, and closed The Standard ,
3030-612: The Conservatives in the general election , saying that "the Conservatives are ready for power: they look like a government in waiting". On 5 May 2015, an editorial stated that the newspaper would again be supporting David Cameron and the Conservatives in the 2015 General Election , saying that the Conservatives have "shown themselves to be good for London". The newspaper also said "there may be good tactical reasons to vote Liberal Democrat". The Media Reform Coalition (MRC) and Goldsmiths, University of London considered that in
3131-487: The Evening Standard announced job cuts. By the end of 2019, the company reported a pre-tax loss of £13.6 million. In August 2020, the paper announced a further 115 job cuts in order to save the company. Before the COVID-19 pandemic that started in 2020, the Evening Standard' s daily circulation was about 800,000. By mid-2024, it had dropped below 300,000. On 29 May 2024, the newspaper announced that it would go from
George Osborne - Misplaced Pages Continue
3232-631: The Evening Standard endorsed the Conservative Party. During the 2019 Conservative leadership election , the Evening Standard endorsed Boris Johnson . During the 2020 Labour leadership election , the Evening Standard endorsed Keir Starmer to become Labour leader and consequently Leader of the Opposition . The Evening Standard endorsed Liz Truss in the July–September 2022 Conservative Party leadership election . For
3333-434: The Evening Standard that he would not be satisfied until Theresa May was "chopped up in bags in my freezer". While Osborne had used macabre imagery about May in the past, he did not directly comment on the incident, although he was criticised for the alleged remark. An editorial in the Standard , published nearly a week later, was interpreted as Osborne's apology to May. It said "harsh words" had been said in connection with
3434-609: The Evening Standard . Companion of Honour The Order of the Companions of Honour is an order of the Commonwealth realms . It was founded on 4 June 1917 by King George V as a reward for outstanding achievements. It was founded on the same date as the Order of the British Empire . The order was originally intended to be conferred upon a limited number of persons for whom this special distinction seemed to be
3535-575: The New Economics Foundation claimed austerity had shrunk the British economy by £100 billion by 2019, due to its slower growth in every year since 2010. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) issued a report in 2019 claiming that austerity was linked to 130,000 preventable deaths since 2012. That was the year of the 2012 United Kingdom budget – dubbed the "omnishambles budget" by the then Labour leader Ed Miliband – viewed as
3636-595: The Resignation Honours list following David Cameron's resignation. Unlike Cameron, Osborne intended to remain an MP and stand for Parliament again in 2020, although proposed boundary changes could have led to the abolition of his Tatton constituency. In September 2016, he launched the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, a body bringing together business leaders and politicians to promote regional devolution. By October 2016, he
3737-742: The Speaker of the House of Commons , when he attacked the Chancellor at Oral Questions by citing a comment attributed to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions John Hutton , describing the Chancellor as likely to make an "effing awful" Prime Minister. It was widely suggested that Osborne was leading an assault on Brown that would allow the Conservatives to discredit him without damaging David Cameron's public image. That month, Osborne faced criticism from some quarters for appearing to suggest that Brown
3838-456: The Standard . On 12 June it was announced that he would step down as editor to move to the role of editor-in-chief. He was succeeded as editor by the former deputy editor of British Vogue and sister-in-law of David Cameron , Emily Sheffield , on 1 July 2020. In a profile of Osborne published by Esquire magazine in September 2017, it was said that he had commented to several staff at
3939-574: The "Media Brand of the Year" and the "Grand Prix Gold" awards at the Media Week awards in October 2010. The judges said: "[ The Standard has] quite simply ... stunned the market. Not just for the act of going free, but because editorial quality has been maintained, circulation has almost trebled and advertisers have responded favourably. Here is a media brand restored to health." The Standard also won
4040-605: The 'Peterborough' diary column in The Daily Telegraph . One of his Oxford friends, journalist George Bridges, alerted Osborne some time later to a research vacancy at Conservative Central Office . Osborne joined the Conservative Research Department in 1994, and became head of its Political Section. One of his first roles was to go to Blackpool and observe the October 1994 Labour Party Conference . Between 1995 and 1997 he worked as
4141-525: The 1960s, the paper's political editor Robert Carvel was granted a morning briefing by prime minister Harold Wilson and it had its own correspondents in Paris and Washington . In 1980, Express Newspapers merged the Standard with Associated Newspapers ' Evening News in a Joint Operating Agreement . The new paper was known as the New Standard until 1985, when Associated Newspapers bought out
George Osborne - Misplaced Pages Continue
4242-552: The 2010 general election campaign Osborne was considered to have been sidelined, owing to his perceived unpopularity and the perception by both Liberal Democrat and Labour strategists that he was a "weak link". Osborne was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer on 11 May 2010, and was sworn in as a Privy Counsellor two days later. On 4 October 2010, in a speech at the Conservative conference in Birmingham , Osborne announced
4343-612: The 2010 general election, the Conservatives needed to find more money from cuts beyond what they had outlined than any other major party, although the report was also critical of Labour and the Liberal Democrats. He has stated that the British economy must diversify away from London following the 2008 banking crisis, most notably in the form of the Northern Powerhouse policy proposals which aim to improve transport links and boost science and technology investment in
4444-468: The 2016 elections , the Evening Standard favoured the Conservative Party, according to MRC chair Justin Schlosberg. There were almost twice as many positive headlines about the Conservative candidate, Zac Goldsmith , as for his Labour rival, Sadiq Khan , with stories exhibiting the strongest bias against Khan also being the most prominent. In the 2017 and 2019 United Kingdom general elections ,
4545-535: The Conservative Party; one Conservative MP, Nadhim Zahawi , suggested that the closeness of his relationship with Cameron meant that the two effectively shared power during the duration of the Cameron governments. Following the 2016 referendum vote to leave the European Union and Cameron's consequent resignation, he was dismissed by Cameron's successor, Theresa May . Osborne served on the backbenches for
4646-500: The Exchequer he regularly pledged Treasury money to Standard charitable campaigns, such as his offer in 2015 to match readers' donations by up to £1.5 million to the Standard ' s Great Ormond Street Hospital appeal. In September 2015, the newspaper ranked Osborne in joint-first place on its annual 'Progress 1000' list of the most influential people in London. It was also highlighted that, as Chancellor, Osborne failed to tackle
4747-428: The Prime Minister's Brexit policy, but "intemperate language, even when said in jest" was inappropriate. In 2018 Osborne was discussed as a potential candidate for Mayor of London in the election scheduled to be held in 2020. He said that as well as considering a bid, he would not rule out a return to Parliament. However, in an interview he said he would not stand for mayor as it would clash with his role as editor of
4848-517: The Russian businessman and former KGB agent Alexander Lebedev and his son Evgeny Lebedev , who in 2010 went on to own The Independent , agreed to acquire control of the Evening Standard for £1 for 64 per cent ownership. A few years earlier, 12 per cent of the paper had been sold to Justin Shaw and Geordie Greig . Associated Newspapers retained the remaining 24 per cent. In November 2009, it
4949-500: The Shadow Chancellor's post when Cameron became leader later that year. When David Cameron was asked in 2009 whether or not he would be willing to sack a close colleague such as Osborne, he stated, "With George, the answer is yes. He stayed in my shadow cabinet not because he is a friend, not because we are godfathers to each other's children but because he is the right person to do the job. I know and he knows that if that
5050-545: The UK to avoid tax. The second Budget also increased funding for the National Health Service , more apprenticeships, efforts to increase productivity and cuts to the welfare budget. The July budget postponed the predicted arrival of a UK surplus from 2019 to 2020, and included an extra £18 billion more borrowing for 2016–20 than planned for the same period in March. In Osborne's 2016 budget he introduced
5151-403: The advantageous tax status for so-called non-doms , which Lebedev was understood to benefit from, while Lebedev's paper strongly supported the Conservative Party in the 2015 general election and the Conservatives' candidate Zac Goldsmith in the 2016 London mayoral election . After stepping down from politics, Osborne took on several engagements in addition to his work as editor. Among them
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#17327801832285252-455: The allegations against Osborne. The Commission rejected the claims and said it saw "no information" suggesting an offence. The accusation was referred to by the press as 'Yachtgate'. Osborne denied claims he had attempted to solicit a donation from Deripaska and said that he had "made a mistake" by meeting with him. On 14 November 2008, in an intervention described by the BBC's Nick Robinson as "pretty extraordinary", Osborne publicly warned that
5353-562: The badge on a neck ribbon (red with golden border threads) and women on a bow at the left shoulder. Evening Standard The London Standard , formerly the Evening Standard (1904–2024) and originally The Standard (1827–1904), is a long-established regional newspaper published weekly and distributed free of charge in London , England. It is printed in tabloid format , and also has an online edition. In October 2009, after being purchased by Russian businessman Alexander Lebedev ,
5454-452: The bank levy would increase by £800 million. Osborne's 2011 Autumn Statement was delivered to Parliament on 29 November 2011. It included a programme of supply-side economic reforms such as investments in infrastructure intended to support economic growth. In 2012, Osborne cut the 50% income tax rate on top earners and figures from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs showed that the amount of additional-rate tax paid had increased under
5555-426: The budget deficit and launched the Northern Powerhouse initiative. In 2012, Osborne significantly reduced taxes for the top rate of earners. After the Conservatives won an overall majority in the 2015 general election , Cameron reappointed him Chancellor in his second government and gave him the additional title of First Secretary of State . He was widely viewed as a potential successor to David Cameron as Leader of
5656-594: The central area, but later became available in the evening from its street distributors. With the sale of the Evening Standard , but not the London Lite , to Alexander Lebedev on 21 January 2009, the ownership links between the Standard and the Lite were broken. On Fridays, the newspaper includes a free glossy lifestyle magazine, ES (launched as the Evening Standard Magazine in 2009, ) and
5757-566: The circulation was increased to 350,000 in September 2014. This has moved from more general articles to concentrate on glamour, with features on the rich, powerful and famous. On Wednesdays, some areas offer a free copy of the Homes & Property supplement, edited by Janice Morley, which includes London property listings and articles from lifestyle journalists including Barbara Chandler, Katie Law, and Alison Cork . A free entertainment guide supplement Metro Life , previously called Hot Tickets ,
5858-679: The cities of the North in order to increase economic output. After previously drawing parallels between Ed Miliband's economic views and those of Karl Marx in Das Kapital , in a 2017 interview with former Treasury colleague Lord O'Neill , Osborne said Marx's thesis in Das Kapital that capitalists would take an increasing share of wealth from the proceeds of economic production at the expense of workers could be argued as an accurate description of something that appeared to be occurring under
5959-516: The controversial former Conservative minister Neil Hamilton in 1997 but had kept his promise not to stand there at the following election. Osborne won with a majority of 8,611 over the Labour candidate, becoming (at that time) the youngest Conservative MP in the House of Commons . At the 2005 election he was re-elected with an increased majority of 11,731 (securing 51.8% of the vote), and in 2010 increased his majority still further to 14,487. He
6060-432: The correspondent Andrew Gilligan – published articles in support of the Conservative candidate, Boris Johnson , including frequent front-page headlines condemning Labour opponent Ken Livingstone . This included the headline "Suicide bomb backer runs Ken's campaign". On 5 May 2010, the newspaper stated in an editorial that, having supported Labour under Tony Blair , the newspaper would be supporting David Cameron and
6161-684: The daily newspaper of the year award at the London Press Club Awards in May 2011. The Evening Standard launched a mobile app with US app developer Handmark in May 2010. The range of apps was updated in 2015. In March 2018, editor George Osborne initiated a redesign of the paper, which included dropping the "London" from its title in a signal of the paper's ambition to have greater national and international influence. The paper also introduced more colourful "signposting" for different sections such as news, comment, and business, as it
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#17327801832286262-730: The deal was announced. Following the UK's vote to leave the European Union in June 2016, Osborne pledged to further lower corporation tax to "encourage businesses to continue investing in the UK". Osborne had already cut the corporation tax rate from 28% to 20%, with plans to lower it to 17% by 2020. Osborne's chancellorship has been subject to much critical assessment. His austerity measures are generally now viewed as having failed to reduce unemployment, lower interest rates, or stimulate growth. Extensive cuts in his 2010 budget to benefits, meant to force beneficiaries into work, have been linked to
6363-579: The idea of a flat tax was not included in the 2010 Conservative Party manifesto. During Osborne's response to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown 's Pre-Budget Report on 5 December 2005, he accused Brown of being "a Chancellor past his sell-by-date, a Chancellor holding Britain back". In an interview the same week, he also referred to Brown as "brutal" and "unpleasant". Osborne was rebuked in October 2006 by Michael Martin ,
6464-414: The institute is based in John McCain 's home state of Arizona, Osborne remained in the UK. Osborne announced he would be standing down as MP for Tatton in April 2017, a day after the 2017 general election was declared. He did not rule out returning to the Commons at some point. "It's still too early to be writing my memoirs", he wrote in a letter to his constituency party, adding he did not "want to spend
6565-431: The least popular member of parliament, he was loudly booed by the crowd while presenting medals at the London Paralympics. In 2023, the magazine Prospect also described Osborne as the "architect of austerity" and described him as the worst chancellor in postwar British history, second perhaps only to Kwasi Kwarteng (who served 38 days). The Financial Times describes Osborne as "metropolitan and socially liberal. He
6666-409: The main paper, which also had a supplement on most days. In August 2006, the freesheet was relaunched as London Lite . It was designed to be especially attractive to younger female readers and featured a wide range of lifestyle articles, but less news and business news than the main paper. It was initially available only between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at Evening Standard vendors and in
6767-419: The monarch of the Commonwealth realms, who is the Sovereign of the Order of the Companions of Honour, and a maximum of 65 members. Additionally, foreigners or Commonwealth citizens from outside the Commonwealth realms may be added as honorary members. Members are organised into a single class and are appointed by the monarch of the Commonwealth realms in their capacity as sovereign of the order. While membership of
6868-473: The more the government borrows, the less attractive sterling becomes to hold. He said: "We are in danger, if the government is not careful, of having a proper sterling collapse, a run on the pound." Labelling Gordon Brown's tactic a "scorched-earth policy" that a future Conservative government would have to clear up, Osborne continued: "His view is he probably won't win the next election. The Tories can clear this mess up after I've gone." In 2009 and 2012 Osborne
6969-456: The morning paper, in 1916. Hulton introduced the gossip column Londoner's Diary , originally billed as "a column written by gentlemen for gentlemen". In 1923, Lord Beaverbrook , owner of the Daily Express , bought Hulton's newspapers, although he sold them shortly thereafter to the Daily Mail ' s owner Lord Rothermere , with the exception of the Standard . It became a staunchly Conservative paper, harshly attacking Labour in 1945 in
7070-464: The most appropriate form of recognition, constituting an honour dissociated from either the acceptance of title or the classification of merit. It is now described as being "awarded for having a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government lasting over a long period of time". The first recipients of the order were all decorated for "services in connection with the war " and were listed in The London Gazette . The order consists of
7171-480: The much-criticised 2012 budget. Michael Deacon of The Daily Telegraph has described Osborne as "the prince of the parliamentary putdown" after, during one House of Commons debate, he managed to taunt both Ed Balls and Norman Baker in one sentence. Osborne denied rumours that he had referred to his colleague Iain Duncan Smith as "not clever enough", which were published in Matthew d'Ancona 's book In It Together . On 28 June 2016, Osborne ruled out standing as
7272-476: The nadir of Osborne's political fortunes. Osborne reduced taxation for the wealthy, cutting the 50% income tax rate on top earners – which he said had been specially designated by his predecessor as "temporary" – to 45%. Overall, Osborne's policies have been linked to worsened inequality and poverty , a rise in political instability , and, allegedly, the decline of the NHS . After polling in 2012 revealed Osborne to be
7373-500: The new name of "The London Standard". From July 2020 to October 2021, the newspaper's editor was Emily Sheffield , sister of Samantha Cameron , who took over from the former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne , who became editor-in-chief. As editor he had replaced Sarah Sands who, in turn, had replaced Geordie Greig following his departure to The Mail on Sunday in March 2012. Veronica Wadley
7474-474: The new rate from £38 billion in 2012/13 to £46 billion in 2013/14, which Osborne said was caused by the new rate being more "competitive", however HMRC predictions in March 2012 predicted that around £6.25 billion in tax revenue would be delayed from 2012/13 to 2013/14 due to the expected lower tax rate, possibly explaining much of the increased revenue, and that the change would cost around £2.4 billion in 2012, however this cost would decrease and
7575-455: The next three years. He promised increases in public spending of 2% a year, and said Labour charges that the Conservatives would cut public spending were "a pack of lies". He also ruled out any "upfront, unfunded tax cuts". Osborne's school and university contemporary, financier Nathaniel Rothschild , said in October 2008 that Osborne had tried to solicit a £50,000 donation from the Russian aluminium magnate Oleg Deripaska , which would have been
7676-509: The nine for the other countries to seven. Whilst still able to nominate candidates to the order, the Cabinet of Australia has effectively stopped the allocation of this award to that country's citizens in preference to other Australian honours. The last Australian member, Doug Anthony , former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, died on 20 December 2020. Companions from other Commonwealth realms continue to be appointed, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ,
7777-426: The occasion by giving away 650,000 free copies on the day, and refreshed its sports coverage. After a long history of paid circulation, on 12 October 2009, the Standard became a free newspaper, with free circulation of 700,000, limited to central London. In February 2010, a paid-for circulation version became available in suburban areas of London for 20p (although many places sell it for 50p). The newspaper won
7878-533: The order confers no title or precedence , those inducted into the order are entitled to use the post-nominal letters CH . Appointments to the order are generally made on the advice of prime ministers of the Commonwealth realms. For Canadians, the advice to the Sovereign can come from a variety of officials. Originally, the order was limited to 50 ordinary members, but in 1943 it was enlarged to 65, with
7979-477: The paper ended a 180-year history of paid circulation and multiple editions every day, and became a free newspaper publishing a single print edition every weekday, doubling its circulation as part of a change in its business plan. On 29 May 2024, the newspaper announced that it would reduce print publication to once weekly, after nearly 200 years of daily publication, as it had become unprofitable. Daily publication ended on 19 September 2024. The first weekly edition
8080-405: The paper's printing and distribution operations at Broxbourne . Lebedev proposed to make statutory minimum payments plus £1,000, capped at £21,000, to those made redundant . On 29 July 2024, the last Friday and Monday editions had been printed, and on Thursday 19 September 2024 the last daily format edition was printed. The weekly edition was published on Thursdays from 26 September 2024 under
8181-478: The period 2010–2016 shows a worsening balance-of-trade deficit. One study by the Progressive Economy Forum assessed that the United Kingdom lost £540 billion in public spending since George Osborne initiated austerity measures. The study claimed Osborne could have "maintained historic rates of growth in public spending and still have reduced Britain's government debt burden by 2019". Another by
8282-476: The posters mentioned the Evening Standard by name, although they featured the paper's Eros logo. Ex-editor Veronica Wadley criticised the " Pravda -style" campaign saying it humiliated the paper's staff and insulted its readers. The campaign was designed by McCann Erickson . Also in May 2009, the paper relaunched as the London Evening Standard with a new layout and masthead, marking
8383-455: The process of globalization , arguing that there was a need to "democratise capital" and ensure "that people have more capital in capitalism", such as larger pensions and more opportunities for savings and home and share ownership. At the time of the 2016 referendum Osborne was prominently in favour of the UK remaining in the EU. Whilst David Cameron was prime minister, Osborne was widely viewed as
8484-474: The remaining stake, turning it into The Standard . In 1987 the Evening News was briefly revived to compete with Robert Maxwell 's London Daily News , but was reabsorbed into The Standard later that year, after the collapse of Maxwell's paper. In 1988 the Evening Standard included the by-line "Incorporating the 'Evening News ' ", which remained until the paper's sale in 2009. On 21 January 2009,
8585-457: The rest of my life just being an ex-chancellor. I want new challenges". Then still an MP, Osborne was announced on 17 March 2017 as the next editor of the Evening Standard , a position which he assumed on 2 May. Critics of his appointment questioned his lack of journalistic experience and his intention to remain MP for Tatton during his tenure with the newspaper, which other MPs said would constitute
8686-421: Was "faintly autistic". After Osborne spoke in an interview about his own ability to recall odd facts, a host suggested to him that he may have been "faintly autistic"; he responded by saying that "We're not getting onto Gordon Brown yet". In September 2007, ahead of the publication of the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review , Osborne pledged that the Conservative Party would match Labour's public spending plans for
8787-408: Was 13 to be known by the additional first name of 'George'. In an interview in July 2005, he said: "It was my small act of rebellion. I never liked it [the name 'Gideon']. When I finally told my mother she said, 'Nor do I'. So I decided to be George after my grandfather [ Sir George Francis Osborne, 16th Baronet ], who was a war hero . Life was easier as a George; it was a straightforward name." Osborne
8888-484: Was David Cameron, who also rejected the job, preferring to take on a major public service portfolio (he was made Shadow Secretary of State for Education ). Thus, Howard seems to have turned to Osborne as his third choice for the role. His promotion prompted speculation he would run for the leadership of the Conservative Party when Howard stepped down, but he ruled himself out within a week. Osborne served as campaign manager for David Cameron's leadership campaign , and kept
8989-565: Was a member of the Bullingdon Club . He also attended Davidson College in North Carolina for a semester, as a Dean Rusk Scholar. In 1993, Osborne intended to pursue a career in journalism. He was shortlisted for, but failed to gain a place on, The Times ' trainee scheme; he also applied to The Economist , where he was interviewed and rejected by Gideon Rachman . In the end, he had to settle for freelance work on
9090-427: Was announced that the London Evening Standard would drop its morning "News Extra" edition from 4 January 2010. From then on, the first edition was the "West End Final", available from 2 pm. One edition of 600,000 copies would be printed starting at 12:30 pm, ending 5.30 am starts for journalists and the previous deadline of 7 am for the first edition. Twenty people were expected to lose their jobs as
9191-464: Was appointed in September 2004 by then Conservative leader Michael Howard to the Shadow Cabinet , as Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury . Following the 2005 general election, Howard promoted him to Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer at the young age of 33. Howard had initially offered the post to William Hague, who turned it down. Press reports suggest that the second choice for the post
9292-620: Was being named a distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution and a dean's fellow at the Stanford Graduate School of Business in September 2017. He specialised in research on international politics and the global economy. He continued to advise the asset manager BlackRock and also began advising his brother's firm 9Yards Capital. He joined 9Yards, a growth stage venture capital firm focused on financial technology and IT logistics investments, in 2018 as
9393-629: Was born in Paddington and educated at Norland Place School , Colet Court and St Paul's School, London before studying at the University of Oxford as an undergraduate student of Magdalen College, Oxford . After working briefly as a freelancer for The Daily Telegraph , he joined the Conservative Research Department in 1994 and became head of its political section. He went on to be a special adviser to Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Douglas Hogg and work for John Major at 10 Downing Street , including on Major's unsuccessful 1997 general election campaign. In Opposition , he worked as
9494-504: Was criticised for his expense claims, in particular for the claims for mortgage interest payments on his Cheshire properties. Osborne had funded the purchase of a country farmhouse and adjoining paddock in Cheshire before he became an MP in 2001 by way of a £455,000 extension of the mortgage on his London home. In 2003 he substituted a new £450,000 mortgage on the Cheshire property, which he then designated as his second home, or "flipped". As
9595-403: Was expected to be nullified by 2016/17. In October 2012, Osborne proposed a new policy to boost the hiring of staff, under which companies would be able to give new appointees shares worth between £2,000 and £50,000, but the appointees would lose the right to claim unfair dismissal and time off for training. In February 2013, the UK lost its AAA credit rating—which Osborne had indicated to be
9696-446: Was not the case he would not be there." At this time Osborne expressed an interest in the ideas of "tax simplification" (including the idea of flat tax ). He set up a "Tax Reform Commission" in October 2005 to investigate ideas for how to create a "flatter, simpler" tax system. The system then proposed would reduce the income tax rate to a flat 22%, and increase the personal allowance from £4,435 to between £10,000 and £15,500. However,
9797-423: Was noted by Osborne that it had not been "easy" to find them inside the paper previously. The masthead was also redesigned with a new font, and emojis were added to the paper's five-day weather forecast. In May 2018, James Cusick of openDemocracy alleged the newspaper had been providing favourable news coverage to companies, including Uber and Google , in exchange for financial sponsorship. In June 2019,
9898-480: Was published on 26 September 2024 under the new name of The London Standard . The newspaper was founded by barrister Stanley Lees Giffard on 21 May 1827 as The Standard . The early owner of the paper was Charles Baldwin. Under the ownership of James Johnstone , The Standard became a morning paper from 29 June 1857. The Evening Standard was published from 11 June 1859. The Standard gained eminence for its detailed foreign news, notably its reporting of events of
9999-481: Was subsequently appointed Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer . After the 2010 general election , Osborne was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Cameron–Clegg coalition . He succeeded Alistair Darling , inheriting a large deficit in government finances due to the effects of the 2007–2008 financial crisis . As Chancellor, Osborne's tenure pursued considerably severe austerity policies , aimed at reducing
10100-621: Was the newspaper's editor between 2002 and 2009. Max Hastings was editor from 1996 until he retired in 2002. The Evening Standard , a regional newspaper, emphasises London-centred news (especially in its features pages), covering building developments, property prices, traffic schemes, politics, the congestion charge and, in the Londoner's Diary page, gossip on the social scene, and also covers significant national and international news. It also occasionally runs campaigns on London issues that national newspapers do not cover in detail. It has
10201-405: Was writing a book called Age of Unreason ; it is a diatribe against "populist nationalism". Osborne's lucrative speaking engagements for a range of financial institutions since his dismissal as Chancellor helped make him the highest earning MP in 2016. In February 2017 he started a new role as a part-time advisor to BlackRock , the world's largest fund manager, for a salary of £650,000 for a one-day
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