Rachel Reeves accuses Tories of ‘gaslighting’ public over economy

Rachel Reeves will say in a speech in the City of London that the constraints holding back Britain’s potential ‘are not immutable forces’. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Rachel Reeves will draw the economic battle lines for the next general election on Tuesday, challenging the government’s claims that the economy is turning a corner when millions are still struggling with the cost of living.

The shadow chancellor will accuse Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt of “gaslighting” the public with over-optimistic statements about the UK economy that are “out of touch” with most people’s lives.