"The man responsible for overseeing huge spending cuts admitted last night that there was still a "long way to go" to reach a deal over where they would be made.

"Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, suggested that talks on cutting £83bn from spending would go to the wire. They are due to be announced on 20 October.

"Mr Alexander told the Independent fringe meeting: "We're making good progress, but there is a lot longer to go. These are incredibly difficult decisions. They weigh heavily on our shoulders.""

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