Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng branded 'patronising' after describing market turmoil as 'a little bit of turbulence'

The Chancellor has been branded 'patronising' after he described the market turmoil of his mini-budget as 'a little bit of turbulence.' Kwasi Kwarteng made the comment on Monday (October 3) while giving a speech at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham.

Defending the government’s measures aimed at growing the economy, Mr Kwarteng said: “I can be frank. I know the plan put forward only 10 days ago has caused a little turbulence. I get it. I get it. We are listening and have listened, and now I want to focus on delivering the major parts of our growth package.”

The mini-budget, which was set out in Parliament last month by the Chancellor and Prime Minster Liz Truss, tanked the pound to its lowest value in decades. Its aim was to help grow the economy.

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People took to Twitter to share their disapproval of the remark - and of the Tory party conference's reaction to it. Callum Scott (@cscottjourno) said: "Kwasi Kwarteng joking in his speech about recent 'turbulence' will be seen as incredibly patronising, especially at a time when they need to be trying to unite the party..."

"The plan I put forward caused a little turbulence - I get it." (Tory Audience laugh) - You know what - it really hasn't been that funny Kwasi #Kwarteng," penned @TrishaLewisTalk, while @ManofScripts added: "Kwasi Kwarteng: 'Our plans introduced 10 days ago have caused a little turbulence.' Laughter from the Tory Conference. A f****** shameful response but not at all surprising."

The Liberal Democrats have also criticised the Chancellor's comments. The party said that the Chancellor’s speech at the Tory party conference will bring “cold comfort” to