Jeremy Hunt’s Caution on Immediate Tax Cuts
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has voiced concerns that implementing substantial tax cuts this year could jeopardize the ongoing battle against inflation.
Amidst calls from colleagues for pre-election giveaways, Hunt maintains a cautious approach. However, he leaves the door open for potential tax cuts in 2024, offering Rishi Sunak an opportunity to make a vote-enticing pitch.
Pressure for Pre-Election Tax Cuts
As the Conservative Party gathers in Manchester for their annual conference, Chancellor Hunt faces pressure from within the party for tax cuts as a pre-election strategy.
Cabinet minister Michael Gove and ousted leader Liz Truss are among those advocating for such cuts.
Leadership Dynamics and Election Prospects
Amidst the political landscape, observers speculate about an unofficial “beauty pageant” among potential leaders in case of a Tory setback at the next election.
Jeremy Hunt, however, remains focused on a different strategy, emphasizing the importance of making credible promises to win elections.
The Challenge of Tax Cuts in the Current Year
Hunt expresses his reservations about significant tax cuts in the current year, citing the potential for inflationary consequences.
He explains that injecting money into people’s pockets could boost demand, ultimately leading to price increases.
Hence, he deems it an inappropriate time for substantial tax reductions, including inheritance tax and work levies.
Leaving Room for Future Tax Cuts
While firmly opposing immediate tax cuts, Chancellor Hunt hints at the possibility of revisiting the tax issue in a full budget in the spring of 2024, ahead of any election.
He acknowledges the uncertainty in economic forecasts but asserts his commitment to lower taxes and willingness to make tough decisions.
Keeping the Triple Lock and Prioritizing Pensioners
Hunt suggests that he will maintain the triple lock in the autumn statement, emphasizing the party’s dedication to pensioners.
However, he refrains from announcing the fate of HS2’s northern leg at this time.
Assessing Rishi Sunak’s Leadership
Despite the challenges and political dynamics, Jeremy Hunt expresses confidence in Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s leadership.
He describes Rishi Sunak as a formidable leader with the ability to tackle complex problems.
No Ambitions for No. 10
Chancellor Hunt firmly denies any ambitions to enter 10 Downing Street himself, focusing on his role and responsibilities.
A Tory Plan for Work and Wages
In his conference speech, Jeremy Hunt unveils plans for tougher rules on benefits and an increase in the national living wage.
He promises that the national living wage will rise to at least £11 an hour starting in April.
Simultaneously, he plans to review the benefit sanctions regime to encourage greater labor market participation, with details to be presented in the November Autumn Statement.
Additional Developments at the Conference
- Education Secretary Gillian Keegan advocates banning mobile phones from English classrooms, citing concerns about distractions, disruptive behavior, and bullying.
- Former Prime Minister Liz Truss calls for tax cuts, fracking, and measures to boost housebuilding, putting pressure on Rishi Sunak from the Tory right.
- Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch emphasizes her pro-Brexit stance and accuses critics of undermining the UK in her conference speech.
- Jeremy Hunt, in his main conference speech, announces wage boosts for low-income earners on the second day of the gathering.
These measures aim to benefit two million people and align with the target for the national living wage to reach two-thirds of median hourly pay by October next year.
The increase will result in a significant income boost for full-time workers in the coming year.
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