Chef Tom Kerridge has thrown his support behind Labour leader Andy Burnham to become Britain's next Prime Minister, calling for a dramatic reduction in hospitality VAT from 20% to 10% to save the struggling industry. Speaking ahead of the launch of his new ITV show, Tom Kerridge Cooks Italy, the two-Michelin-starred chef told The Mirror: "When hospitality grows, the rest of the country grows. And Andy Burnham understands that."
Kerridge's Call for VAT Reform
Kerridge, who owns The Hand and Flowers pub in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, with his wife Beth Cullen-Kerridge, has spearheaded the #VATsTheProblem movement, gathering over 250,000 signatures on a petition demanding a fairer 10% VAT rate for hospitality. He argues that the UK's current 20% rate is the second highest in Europe, with only Norway at 21% higher, while most European countries charge between 8% and 12%. Ireland is dropping to 9%. "What we're asking for is to sit the same as Europe," Kerridge said.
Industry at Risk
With industry sources warning that one in six hospitality businesses are at risk of closure in the next year, Kerridge highlighted the cumulative pressures: "Things are shutting because of ongoing costs that have dropped in over many years of neglect of the industry: food inflation, energy bills, National Insurance increases." He added that the government should "just get out of the way and let us operate, we are the beating heart of the reinvestment of the rest of the country."
Andy Burnham's Pledges
During his Makerfield campaign, Andy Burnham pledged to reduce hospitality VAT to 10%, slash business rates for pubs by 20%, and review cost pressures such as National Insurance contributions. Kerridge said: "From my conversation with Andy I think he really understands." He praised Burnham's track record in Manchester, where Kerridge ran The Bull and Bear from 2019 to 2022: "Manchester is one of the most forward thinking, eclectic cities and that is something he has been a part of, keeping the cogs moving for reinvestment."
Labour's Vision for Opportunity
A lifelong Labour supporter, Kerridge said: "I grew up in a single parent family on an estate in Gloucester. Labour represents a workforce, it tries to ensure that people have an opportunity regardless of background." He stressed the need for quality transport systems and a functioning healthcare system, adding: "Irrespective if you grew up on an estate or a semi detached house, I think everyone should be presented with opportunities. The party that offers that has always been the Labour party."
Italy as a Model for Hospitality
Kerridge, a great lover of Italian cuisine, said: "Italian recipes are a celebration of ingredients and relatively simple. You don't need to be a super confident cook to try them." He added: "They celebrate their produce, their culture, where it comes from - olive oil in Tuscany, for example. The lifestyle is all based on food, restaurant, community, connection. We should use Italy as an example of how we should do things."
Optimism for the Future
Despite the challenges, Kerridge remains optimistic about British hospitality: "Fingers crossed Andy Burnham brings in new energy. Andy Burnham is the man we need." His new show, Tom Kerridge Cooks Italy, begins Thursday 16th July at 7.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, supported by M&S.
