AS the economy records a sixth successive quarter of contraction - the worst scenario since quarterly records began in 1955 – the true extent of the immense damage done to the UK economy by Labour’s mad ten–year spending spree becomes clear.

According to the Centre for Policy Studies, the debt mountain Gordon Brown has created is so huge that if public expenditure were to be cut by 30 per cent and taxes raised by 20 per cent we would merely break even.

Not a penny would be paid off the black hole he has created.

And things are going to get worse as unemployment climbs towards three million, the pound plunges ever lower forcing up commodity prices and firms go bust.

Only a lunatic would want to inherit this mess.

Step forward Mr Cameron.

David Lacey, Newton Hall.