Ed Balls has been mocked for "getting his facts wrong" after comparing a Tory minister to George Osborne's "poodle", as the Chancellor's new puppy Lola is a bichon frise.
The canine controversy came after Balls chose to launch a withering attack on business minister Matthew Hancock, who used to be Osborne's chief of staff, for being one of his most zealous hecklers as he responded to the Autumn Statement.
He told reporters: "We've decided to name Matt Hancock 'Lola' as he's the real Chancellor's poodle."
However in response, Hancock ridiculed the Shadow Chancellor, pointing out that George Osborne's new puppy Lola is a bichon frise, not a poodle.
"Ed Balls is wrong again and is continuing his record of getting his facts wrong," he told the Huffington Post UK.
George Osborne presents his bichon frise Lola (not a poodle) on Twitter
Balls has come under fire after his speech fell flat in the chamber, despite the cost of living message resonating with voters.
Speaking on the BBC Daily Politics today, Labour's Chris Leslie blamed "350 or so odd Conservative MPs barracking and jeering", adding: "I defy anybody to try and get their voice heard in that environment."
In his Autumn Statement response, Ed Balls said: "For all his boasts and utterly breathtaking complacency the chancellor is in complete denial about the central fact which is defining this government in office. Under this chancellor under this prime minister for most people in our country living standards aren't rising they are falling year on year."
See also:
- Autumn Statement 2013: Is The UK Recovery Really A Triumph For Austerity, Chancellor?
- Autumn Statement 2013: Seven Numbers You Won't Hear George Osborne Mention
- Autumn Statement 2013: Live Updates
- Autumn Statement 2013: Economic Recovery 'Patchy', Warns Ex-Cabinet Minister
- George Osborne Using 'Smoke-And-Mirrors To Cover Up Falling Wages'