Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has issued a direct challenge to Andy Burnham ahead of the autumn Budget, demanding he rule out any new taxes. Writing exclusively in the Daily Express, Badenoch argues that the cost-of-living crisis stems from high taxes and expensive weekly shopping, not from the small measures Burnham has proposed.
Badenoch Criticises Labour's Tax Record
Badenoch points out that the tax burden is at its highest ever, partly due to Conservative governments' spending on the furlough scheme. She criticises Labour for breaking promises of lower taxes, citing the national insurance hike and taxes on family farms and businesses that have squeezed firms and led to job losses and stagnant growth.
Call for Spending Cuts
The Labour government is spending new tax revenue on a growing welfare bill, Badenoch says. She urges Burnham and Chancellor John Healey to focus on cutting government spending, reducing welfare, and supporting the armed forces, rather than imposing more taxes. She warns that speculation about tax rises erodes confidence, leading businesses to delay investments and expansions.
Conservative Alternative
Badenoch outlines the Conservative plan: reduce the welfare bill, use half the savings to cut the deficit, and the other half to ease taxes, such as cutting business rates and abolishing stamp duty for family homes. She also proposes drilling for North Sea oil and gas, scrapping green taxes, and removing trade union laws to boost business.
She concludes that Burnham must rule out new taxes this autumn to avoid more hardship and fewer jobs.
