Pregnant leader reveals emotions

BANK of England policymakers are set to sit tight on interest rates this week after last month’s milestone hike amid a mixed performance across the economy.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is expected to vote for no-change on Thursday, having increased rates to the highest level in nearly a decade last month – to 0.75 per cent from 0.5 per cent.

Governor Mark Carney said in August that rates would need to rise further to bring inflation back to the two per cent target over the next few years, though he stressed hikes would be “limited” and “gradual”.

But economists are not expecting another rise any time soon, with increasing anxiety over Brexit negotiations seen as holding back growth.

Howard Archer, the EY Item Club’s chief economic adviser, said it was unlikely the rates would rise again until after Brexit next March “given the major uncertainties that are likely to occur in the run-up to the UK’s departure”.

The rates decision comes after Mr Carney effectively confirmed plans to stay on past his current departure date of June 2019 to support the UK through Brexit.

It followed mounting Press speculation over whether he would stay on until 2020.

He told MPs he was “willing to do whatever” he could to help promote a smooth Brexit. But questions have since been swirling over the talks between Mr Carney and the Chancellor, with some concerned about the lack of transparency.

Meanwhile, inflation appears to be back on the rise already after a recent brief respite, rising in July to 2.5 per cent from 2.4 per cent in June, although this was largely due to higher transport costs.

Ruth Davidson has described her pregnancy as “joyous, mortifying, fearful and hopeful”.

The Scottish Conservative leader announced earlier this year that she was expecting a baby with partner Jen Wilson. The range of emotions she has faced is revealed in extracts from her new book, Yes She Can.