Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been warned he lacks the mandate to introduce a 'death tax' to fund social care, with Robert Jenrick, the prospective Chancellor under Nigel Farage, launching a blistering attack on the plans. Jenrick said Burnham is heading for 'disaster' if he resurrects his proposals for a 10% levy on estates upon death, a policy first floated during Gordon Brown's government.
No mandate for new tax
Jenrick, who would serve as Chancellor if Farage becomes prime minister, insisted Burnham has no electoral authority to introduce such a tax. 'If he wants to slap a massive tax on the country he should call a general election and see what the British people think,' Jenrick said. 'He would be in for a rude awakening.'
The warning comes as reports suggest the new National Care Service could cost up to £18 billion a year. Burnham previously advocated for a 'national care levy' in 2023, under which 'the wealthiest would pay the most.'
Rayner appointment sparks alarm
Jenrick also expressed alarm at reports that former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner is on track to become Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. Rayner resigned last year after failing to pay £40,000 in stamp duty. 'It's a recipe for disaster,' Jenrick said. 'If Sunday Express readers can't remember voting for this, it's because they didn't.'
The Reform MP warned against any new tax burden on hardworking Britons. 'The last thing our country needs is another massive tax hike on people who work and have worked hard their entire lives.'
Historical context of 'death tax'
Attempts to secure cross-party support for social care funding collapsed in 2010 when then-Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley accused Labour of wanting a 'death tax.' The term has since been a political flashpoint, resurfacing in Burnham's 2023 proposals for a wealth-based levy.
Jenrick concluded: 'Reform UK will be leading the campaign to stop him reaching for other people's money again.'
