Martin Lewis has publicly criticised Chancellor Rachel Reeves for declining to appear on his ITV Money Show following the Autumn Budget. The consumer champion said it was a 'shame' Ms Reeves would not be making an appearance on a live budget special of The Martin Lewis Money Show, despite asking her to 'weeks ago'.
In a post on X, Mr Lewis told his three million followers: 'So it looks like Rachel Reeves isn't coming on live budget special tonight 8pm. We put in a bid weeks ago (for live or pre-recorded). Was told it was being considered, but have not heard anything.' He added that the Chancellor 'misses the chance to give her interpretation' by appearing on less viewed political shows instead.
The Budget, delivered on Wednesday, saw Ms Reeves raise taxes by £40 billion, including a £25 billion National Insurance raid on firms. Employers' NI contributions will rise by 1.2 per cent to 15 per cent in April 2025, and the threshold at which employers start paying NI will drop from £9,100 to £5,000. Mr Lewis questioned how businesses would cover the increased cost of £615 per employee, suggesting it could come from profits, higher charges, or reduced salaries and benefits.
Ms Reeves defended the Budget as necessary to 'fix the foundations' of the economy, promising to 'invest, invest, invest'. She changed the way debt is measured to allow extra borrowing for investment. The Chancellor told MPs: 'On July 4, the country voted for change. This government was given a mandate. To restore stability to our country and to begin a decade of national renewal.'
