His intervention yesterday came as pressure from Tory MPs mounted for Ms Truss to perform a U-turn on controversial plans to axe the 45p income tax band, which gifts an average £10,000 to the 600,000 highest earners in the UK at a time when ministers are eyeing real-terms cuts to welfare benefits.
One former minister told The Independent the government would struggle to get the cut through the Commons when it comes before MPs in the new year, in what would be a virtually unprecedented rebellion against a Budget measure. “The sensible thing to do might be to put it off, say that they will do it, but in a few years. Give themselves wriggle room,” he said.
Last night it was reported that Ms Truss will attempt to delay the vote on cutting the 45p rate of tax for higher earners until the spring, ahead of the Budget.
Grant Shapps, the former transport secretary, joined Mr Gove in warning against the “politically tin-eared” plans. Writing in The Times, he said that the government should not be making “big giveaways to those who need them least... not least because it is being paid for with borrowed money.”
And there was a furious response from backbenchers to Tory chair Jake Berry’s warning that rebels would be stripped of the whip, with one former minister telling The Independent: “A threat to expel people who won’t go along with this batshit crazy cock-up is, frankly, bonkers.”
Conservative MP for Lewes, Maria Caulfield, tweeted yesterday evening: “I can’t support the 45p tax removal when nurses are struggling to pay their bills.” She tagged Mr Berry in her comment, continuing: “If Tory party don’t want this working-class MP, fair enough.”
Denne historien er fra October 03, 2022-utgaven av The Independent.
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Denne historien er fra October 03, 2022-utgaven av The Independent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Deaths outnumber births but population increases.
The UK population has seen its largest annual increase in size since comparable data began in the early 1970s, new figures suggest.
Record number of people face hunger, warns charity
A record 9.3 million people – including one in five children – are facing hunger and hardship in the UK, according to an antipoverty charity.
Labour poll lead over Tories falls to just a single point
Labour’s polling lead has fallen to just one point after a rocky start to Sir Keir Starmer’s time in government.
And then there were three: the race to succeed Sunak
As Tom Tugendhat is knocked out and the Conservative leadership election goes into its final stages, the prospects of the frontrunners have been transformed.
Tugendhat out as Cleverly tops Tory leadership contest
James Cleverly has surged to the top of the Tory leadership race, winning the backing of the most Conservative MPs after a barnstorming conference performance.
Corbyn ally MPs oppose Labour's school fees tax raid
Two of Jeremy Corbyn’s Commons allies have united with the Tories to oppose Labour’s tax raid on private schools, despite having been elected on left-wing tickets.
Starmer's new chief echoes Johnson's 'homicidal robot'
If Sue Gray divided opinion inside and outside Keir Starmer’s cabinet – and she certainly did – then his chosen replacement may prove to be even more controversial.
PM says film tax relief will boost a 'British Hollywood'
Sir Keir Starmer has spoken of his passion for the creative arts as he prepares to unveil a major new investment strategy for Britain’s film industry to put it at the heart of his plans to boost economic growth.
Mordaunt: I was stalked
Former minister talks of pain as she backs our campaign to provide a safe space for women fleeing domestic violence
UK facing 'plot after plot' from rogue states and terror groups, warns MI5 chief
Sir Keir Starmer has warned of the “sober findings” in a speech by the head of MI5 who outlined how British intelligence is facing a “hell of a job” over rising threats from Iran and Russia, as well as the resurgence of Isis and al-Qaeda.
