IFS director Paul Johnson wants Tory advert quoting him removed
The director of think tank the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has called on the Tory party to remove a campaign video quoting him.
Speaking to Radio Four's The World at One, Johnson said he had been given no prior warning he would feature in the Youtube video (below). He said the clips taken of him were from a "much broader and obviously much more balanced interview that I gave".
The interview in question entailed Johnson setting out the fiscal plans Labour and the Conservatives would be presenting to the electorate. He said it was "a shame" when particular words are taken out of context.
Johnson added he thought it was good there two significantly different economic programmes on offer. He stressed he was not making a judgement as to which one was better. Asked whether he would like the video removed, Johnson replied "yes I would like it removed but in the end I thought it was quite funny".
Johnson was quoted in the Conservative campaign advert saying:
Borrowing would be higher under a Labour government.
The debt would be higher.
You've got more risk with the public finances.
The IFS will play a critical role in scrutinising the both parties' plans for tax and spending. It has said it will explain to the public what the politicians won't about the tough choices the government will face after the election.
Here is the advert in which Johnson was quoted.