Leading chefs and restaurateurs have thrown their support behind Andy Burnham for prime minister after he pledged to cut VAT on hospitality from 20% to 10%. Burnham, standing as the Labour candidate in the Makerfield by-election, has long campaigned for the reduction to align with European rates, where VAT in France, Spain, and Italy is 10% and in Germany just 7%.
Tom Kerridge, the Michelin-starred chef and BBC presenter, said Burnham understands the sector and urged the whole hospitality industry to back him. “Andy Burnham has backed a cut to VAT and as Manchester mayor he represents one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the UK with a growing food scene,” Kerridge said. “This is somebody who understands nightlife, food, hospitality and entertainment.”
Kerridge criticised Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who also pledged a VAT cut but proposed funding it by reinstating the two-child benefit cap. “This is an easy photo opportunity for Nigel Farage to stand there with a pint and take advantage. Funding it by reinstating the two-child cap would push more children into poverty, which I do not support,” Kerridge said.
The chef warned that hospitality venues are closing at a rate of 21 a week due to rising business rates, employer national insurance, minimum wage, energy bills, and food inflation. “We have a country that is being run by spreadsheets in the Treasury as opposed to operators,” he said. “It is perhaps the Treasury and Rachel Reeves who lacks understanding.”
Sacha Lord, Burnham’s adviser and friend, said the VAT cut is “the one single mechanism that can save many hospitality businesses and jobs.” Thomasina Miers, co-founder of Wahaca, and Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks also voiced support, with Banks saying: “It feels like our industry is finally being heard.”
