I expect Labour are saying stuff like this because focus groups are telling them people don't think they're competent on the economy. But this doesn't say "we're competent," it says "public spending is bad." https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-54228499

Please don't tell me to read the article to get the detail (I have). Most people won't read the article, they'll just hear the top lines on BBC 6pm news and you can bet Labour has trailed the "cavalier" line to make sure it's the one that gets picked up.

The @TaxJusticeUK project I consulted for showed that people are sick of austerity and want investment. And now the Tories are promising to invest while Labour is criticising public spending. I just don't understand the rationale. I'd love to sit in on one of their focus groups.

Oh and if I'm really going for it: cavalier is not a great word to lead with. Always use the simplest language to say what you mean, and I don't think cavalier is that. It's not only Labour that does this though.