NHS is Labour's priority in election fight, says Ed Balls

Labour will seek to fight the next election on the twin issues of stagnant living standards and safeguarding the NHS, according to Ed Balls, in an interview before the party conference, which begins on Saturday.

But the shadow chancellor said voters would only back Labour's promise of change if it is seen to be credible and costed. In an effort to show his determination to be tough on public spending he ruled out free universal child care in the next parliament, as well as free bus passes for 16- to 18-year-olds.