Orgy of cuts in Commons as Osborne wields the axe

IT WAS brisk, crisp, biting and ruthless.

British Chancellor George Osborne wielded his scythe with the savage exuberance of the Grim Reaper on the spree.

From the word “go” you knew he was not in the business of delivering silky, muted words designed to soften the blow. His statement, lasting a little over an hour, was hot and strong, and to some, unpalatable.