LABOUR leadership hopeful Andy Burnham has launched a scathing attack on the Liberal Democrats over their support of today’s emergency budget.

The Leigh MP, one of five in the race to replace Gordon Brown as party leader, accused Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg of going back on promises he made during the General Election campaign.

Mr Burnham said the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government was taking a slash and burn approach to the budget.

He said: “If reports are true this budget is going to be a complete betrayal of the values of the seven million people who voted Lib Dem last month.

“They did not vote for this slash and burn approach. Nick Clegg has jettisoned the promises he made — promises he pledged to keep — with a speed that beggars belief.

“He and his team have put their own jobs before principles and have joined a Cabinet of millionaires that is now cutting without compassion.”

Mr Osborne is expected to unveil the harshest package of spending cuts and tax rises seen for a generation in the "emergency" statement.

Measures are believed to include a rise in VAT from 17.5 per cent to 20 per cent, while public sector pay and “out of control” welfare spending is expected to face a major squeeze.