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The level of public debt seems to be defining the debate in all political parties, argues parliamentary researcher Gurpreet Brar.
The UK's public sector debt has increased by 13.5 per cent of GDP over the last 12 months, the Office for National Statistics revealed this morning.
Jumping from 44 per cent in August 2008 to 57.5 per cent this year, the public sector deficit of £12.8bn is the highest seen under the 12 years of New Labour and the highest in the G8.
However, it remains lower in real terms then the debt of the US, Japan or Italy.
The UK has been recording deficits since 2002/03 but the international downturn has seen governments across the globe producing substantial stimulus packages to help their economies.
Bailing out the banks and investments in infrastructure and business have helped the economy but there has been a catastrophic cost to the public purse and the country's debt.
But at a time when the public want the government to cut back and both parties are now looking to curtail spending, the level of public debt seems to be defining the debate being held within Westminster.
Lord Mandelson was quick to pick up on this earlier this week when he claimed that Labour was the party that still believes in the need for "strong public services and active government" and would aim to "protect the frontline".
His party would be the one to make the "tough decisions," a message continually repeated by other ministers.
Labour would be the only party able to steer the country out of this unprecedented level of debt, they said.
On the other hand, the Conservatives still seem to be keeping quiet.
Other then their commitments to international development and health, the Conservative Party wants to be uncommitted to slash projects as they seem fit.
With conferences coming up for both main parties, it remains to be seen who can convince the public that they can steer the UK out of this debt.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd