Four of Rishi Sunak's best Budget 2020 jokes - including John McDonnell swipe

Mr Sunak made sure to inject some humour into his speech
PRU/AFP via Getty Images
Emma Clarke|Tim Baker11 March 2020
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Rishi Sunak delivered his 2020 Budget speech in the House of Commons today, addressing not only the impact of coronavirus on the economy, but also an alcohol duty freeze and the abolishment of reading tax.

As well as declaring the radical changes he plans to set in motion, the new Chancellor of the Exchequer also injected flashes of humour into his 70 minute-long announcement.

From his jibe at John McDonnell, to his crack about his new job, Sajid Javid's replacement got many a cheer from MPs and Cabinet ministers.

In case you missed it, here are four of Mr Sunak's Budget jokes and humourous moments...

Former Chancellor Sajid Javid shared in the laughs
PA

1) The first of Mr Sunak's cracks actually came at the expense of his old boss.

Speaking on the Government's record on employment, the Chancellor said it had been "the story of a national jobs miracle".

He then added: "Given the last few weeks I've had, I'm all in favour of jobs miracles."

Mr Sunak replaced Mr Javid as Chancellor less than 27 days before he delivered the nation's spending plan.

John McDonnell also saw the funny side
PA

2) Mr Sunak's next two funnies were let off in quick succession, and were both at the expense of Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell

First off, the Government minister said he would be scrapping VAT on online publications such as newspapers and history journals.

He said: "There will be no VAT on historical fiction by Hilary Mantel, manuals or textbooks like Gray’s Anatomy or, indeed, works of fantasy... like John McDonnell’s Economics for the Many."

The Shadow Chancellor took the jibe in good jest, as did the rest of the House.

3) Rishi Sunak quickly followed up with a one-liner.

He quipped: "The irony is, it's sold so few, it’s literally his own little Red Book."

This is a play on The Little Red Book - a list of quotes from Chairman Mao, the Chinese Dictator.

Mr McDonnell famously quoted the book in the chamber.

4) The final joke came at the cost of another Tory MP.

Mr Sunak, announcing continued tax relief for the red diesel used in tractors, poked fun at his colleague Mark Spencer - a former farmer.

"I've heard the concerns about agriculture, particularly from the [National Farmers' Union], rural colleagues and indeed my Right Honourable friend, the member for Sherwood."

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