?? Budget 2024: the best and worst digital comms

The big day arrived with much anticipation, and with it, our social media feeds were full of fresh, fiscally focused content.?

The ups and downs, reaction from politicians and groups and much was made of the first Budget delivered by a female Chancellor.?

Here’s a look through some of the best and worst digital comms that form part of #Budget2024.

Starting the day | this was the first post that popped up for me on X, LinkedIn and Instagram- a cinema-worthy video from HM Treasury showing Rachel Reeves holding the famous red box outside Number 11.

And snapper Stefan Rousseau shared this behind the scenes photo as the door opened.

HMT also shared some behind the scenes imagery. Full set available here.

The book and the box | We’ve come to expect pictures of the Budget in a red box. HMT didn’t disappoint with the latest addition to the collection.

Breaking down the specifics | HMT stuck to its house style- albeit with a few tweaks to share graphics outlining specific announcements such as an increase to the national living wage.

Text tweets | going back to basics, Reeves’ team shared this tweet referencing ‘working people.’ Angela Rayner shared a similar vibe.

For the nations | A specific graphic was shared by Welsh Labour MPs detailing the specific measures for Wales. Nice idea, but the style of the portraits are hard on the eyes.

Worst graphic of them all | this graphic from Labour pushing 1p off a pint did the rounds as worst graphic of the Budget. It says little and is very simplistic.?

The opposition?

Welsh Tories | Welsh Tory Leader Andrew RT Davies shared this graphic on X about the tax on Welsh workers. It fits the style guide that the party have been using for quite a while. A strong focus on the personalities and the ‘broken promise’ message.

Sam Kurtz MS | Welsh Conservative MS Samuel Kurtz MS shared this direct to camera video outlining how changes will specifically affect farmers. A good, quick way to get the message across.

New MPs got in the act, posting photos of their ‘first Budget Day.’ Alliance Party MP Sorcha Eastwood shared this photo from the Committee Corridor.?

Response from outside groups

OBR | The Office for Budget Responsibility shared a typically serious graphic detailing the headroom.

NFU | The NFU (National Farmers' Union) were quick off the mark to react to changes for farmers with this quote image from their President Tom Bradshaw.

Startup Coalition did a similar approach.

IFS | An explainer video from Paul Johnson was the Institute For Fiscal Studies ’s way of communicating today’s Budget news.

And the memes…

Great British humour found a place in coverage…

All in all, an expected offering digital wise on the highs and lows of the Budget - if I’ve missed anything outstanding then please share!?