The Conservative Party under Kemi Badenoch has been accused of handing tax cuts to the highest earners, with critics claiming the party has not changed under her leadership. The policy approach has been described as championing the fortunate few over the struggling many, echoing traditional Two Nation politics.
Tax cut proposals under scrutiny
Badenoch has proposed a potential £9 billion inheritance windfall for the one in 20 people currently receiving up to £1 million tax-free. Another plan would spend £1.4 billion subsidising private education fees for the one in 14 pupils whose parents do not use state schools, which teach 93% of children.
A further £700 million would fund free childcare for people earning £100,000 or more, reversing a Tory cut-off. Last year's scrapping of £9 billion in stamp duty on house purchases has also been highlighted, alongside the reintroduction of tax-free shopping for tourists on luxury goods, a policy that experts warn could cost British taxpayers £600 million.
Poll shows Labour lead
A poll gives Labour 30% support, with Reform at 25% and the Conservatives at 17%. If Andy Burnham wins in the South this week, the King of the North could become a national leader.
Labour's Sagal Abdi-Wali is defending an 11,500 majority in London's Holborn and St Pancras on Thursday, after Keir Starmer stood down. Eight months ago, the Greens turned Labour's Gorton and Denton 13,000 majority into a 4,400 defeat.
