The UK economy failed to grow in April after particularly wet weather dampened spending.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recorded no growth for the month, which was in line with economists’ expectations.

The sluggishness comes after the UK economy recorded its fastest growth in two years from January to March, exiting the recession it fell into in the final half of last year.

The economy is a key battleground for the main political parties in the run-up to the general election on 4 July.