Jeremy Hunt has delivered a further cut in national insurance in today’s Budget statement.

       Mr Hunt announced a two percentage point cut to national insurance among a series of measures in the spring Budget, in a repeat of his autumn statement.

       In his hour-long speech, which began with interruption from opposition MPs, he announced a freeze on alcohol duty will be extended until February 2025, and a 5p cut to fuel duty is to continue for another 12 months.

       He also promised to deliver the government’s free childcare expansion pledge, starting on 1 April, with guaranteed rates paid to childcare providers.

       And he abolished the tax status of so-called “non-doms” used by wealthy overseas individuals.

       Two years ago,The Independent revealed that Rishi Sunak’s wife Akshata Murty dodged millions in UK tax by taking advantage of the loophole.

       Mr Hunt will hope the perks delivered will attract voters for the next general election with the Tories’ popularity currently languishing at a 45-year low.

       However, leading pollster Professor Sir John Curtice has told The Independent that he would be “surprised” a 2p cut in national insurance will draw in voters he believes are focused more on the “pretty awful state” of public services.