THE SNP has called on David Cameron to ditch George Osborne unless he changes tack on the economy.

The demand came as leading economists who famously backed the Chancellor two years ago urged him to execute a U-turn.

Almost half of those who supported Mr Osborne in a public statement ahead of the 2010 General Election called for a rethink and more spending on infrastructure projects.

The UK economy is in the middle of its second recession in five years.

Last week, the Bank of England predicted it could be years before a sustained economic recovery emerges.

Opposition parties have put pressure on the Chancellor to scale back his austerity drive, which many say is failing to kickstart the economy.

There have also been growing calls for more investment in large-scale infrastructure projects, a so-called Plan B.

SNP Treasury spokesman Stewart Hosie said: "The support the Chancellor used to boast about has evaporated, as his austerity policy is shown to have failed. With even his own supporters now deserting him, it is time for Osborne to change course and start investing in vital infrastructure projects.

"If Osborne won't shift, he will have to be shifted."