Swati called for a reduction in Bank Rate of 0.25 percentage points - the first vote for a cut since the pandemic started almost four years ago.

The MPC member said she is less concerned that rates might need to be tightened further.

7 out of 10 experts believe the base rate will sit at 4.5% by the end of 2024.

The Bank's Monetary Policy Committee has held rates for a fourth consecutive time.

Economists had predicted a small drop in the annual rate.