A shadow environment minister has condemned the chancellor for being "hopelessly optimistic" in his predictions for economic growth in this year's Budget.
Ann McIntosh (Con, Vale of York) claimed that Alistair Darling has failed to address issues affecting the rural community, including vehicle costs and faster broadband.
The Budget demonstrates how "perilous" British finances have become under the government's "economic mismanagement", she stated.
She also criticised Labour for introducing tax rises such as National Insurance, after the next election.
Less than half the £5bn tax rises, announced in the Budget, are aimed at the rich before the Budget, McIntosh said.
And under Labour's economic strategy, every family in Britain can expect to pay £1,000 more in tax, the Tory MP added.
She stated: "This is the bankruptcy Budget of an insolvent government.
"This Budget represents a missed opportunity. The government is running out of money, and moral authority."
