So should the Tories announce tax rises ahead of the next election? According to Andrew Grice in today’s Independent, they’re certainly thinking about it:
“There is a growing recognition among shadow Cabinet ministers that, if they win power, spending cuts could only be half the picture, as they would also need significant tax rises to fill the black hole in the public finances. That is why Mr Cameron and George Osborne won’t rule out tax increases.
The big debate among the Tory high command now is whether to announce some tax increases before the general election. Mr Cameron is reluctant to unveil a detailed ‘shadow Budget’. But there appears to be growing support for some tax rises to be disclosed, in line with the Cameron-Osborne promise to be ‘honest’ with the voters, while portraying Gordon Brown as ‘in denial’ about the need for cuts (an attack the Prime Minister will try to head off by acknowledging the need for big savings).
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in