Talk:Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer

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Hi - this is a funny choice of article theme. The term 'Shadow Chancellor' was invented in the 1980s I believe - it was certainly never used by Howe (who was referred to as 'Chief Economic Spokesman').

Also, the list was missing Ken Clarke, who was Shadow Chancellor for a few weeks after the 1997 election - he did actually give a series of Oral Questions to Gordon Brown.

This list will also irritate Lib Dems who call their Shadow Chancellor 'Shadow Chancellor' not unreasonably!

I researched the list and found the term was in use in the 1950s. The Times of April 8, 1957 made reference to it. I'll add Kenneth Clarke, who was indeed there from May to July 1997. Meanwhile, irritating the Lib Dems is just a happy coincidence. David | Talk 22:58, 9 July 2006 (UTC)

Hi David,

I've added the note about the term falling into disuse under Thatcher (Howe is given the title 'Economic Spokesman' in 1979 Campaign Guide - the full manifesto). I've also added that there is a claim on the title from Vince Cable. It is pertinent since he now gets credited with it as regularly as George Osborne. I've also added the note about how media outlets often call him an econmic spokesman. I can find lots of examples, but didnt think it worth bothiering. I thought the title confusion worth clearing up.

I was going to ask about the list - is it complete?