Chancellor’s coronavirus test in high stakes Budget – The Yorkshire Post says

Back in 1974, Mr Healey, as he was known back then, found himself conceding decision-making powers to the trade unions before Labour was ultimately brought down by the ‘winter of discontent’.

At least he had time to prepare after Jim Callaghan succeeded Harold Wilson – Mr Sunak, the Richmond MP, was only appointed less than four weeks ago after his predecessor, Sajid Javid, resigned. And while Mr Sunak was, previously, a well-regarded Treasury chief secretary, his ascent to Chancellor has also coincided with the outbreak of coronavirus – the biggest threat to global finances since the financial crash over a decade ago.

A man described as “intensely practical” by former Richmond MP William Hague, who noted his constituency’s successor desire to muck in – literally – on farms in the Dales to learn about agriculture, this trait will be put to the test when he announces steps to counter the short-term economic disruption caused by coronavirus.

It does not end here. Much respected here, this is also Mr Sunak’s chance to prove himself as a national statesman who can spend taxpayers’ money wisely, and effectively, on key priorities without increasing indebtedness to unsustainable levels. And it is also an opportunity, as an early advocate of the Northern Powerhouse, for him to commit the Treasury to the reforms needed to empower this region.

In his personal testimonial, Lord Hague concluded: “For those who do not yet feel they know the Chancellor, you can be reassured that you will be in the hands of an unusually capable politician.” Let’s hope that this Budget – despite the challenging circumstances – leaves people even more convinced that this is the case. Over to you, Chancellor Sunak.