Rishi's Dig At Rivals... Plans For Tax Cuts And Higher Spending Are ‘Not Credible'

Rishi Sunak pledged yesterday to deliver a return to “traditional Conservative economic values” rather than “fairy tales” about tax cuts.

- Macer Hall

In a broadside to big-spending, low-tax rivals, the former chancellor kicked off his Tory leadership campaign by calling for a “grown-up conversation” about the state of public finances and a “credible plan” for economic growth.

He also sought to soothe anger among some Conservatives about his role in toppling Boris Johnson, by promising that he would not “demonise” the departing Prime Minister.

Launching his Downing Street bid at the Queen Elizabeth II centre, Westminster, with a “Ready for Rishi” slogan, Mr Sunak told supporters Mr Johnson had “a good heart” but was “flawed”.

Mr Sunak’s hopes to lead the party have been boosted by backing from Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

Mr Shapps, who abandoned his own candidacy in the race to throw in his lot with Mr Sunak, said the 42-year-old father of two had the “competence and experience to lead this country”.

Meanwhile, Mr Raab broke his silence about which candidate he was backing by appearing on the podium yesterday to introduce Mr Sunak.

Mr Raab declared: “While others talk the talk, Rishi this month delivered the biggest tax cut for working people in a decade. He did it because he is a true Conservative.”

Mr Sunak used the launch to pitch himself as a serious candidate who would be “honest” about the challenges facing the Government, rather than trying to grab votes with promises of giveaway tax cuts.