Senior Tories Plan 'Unprecedented Intervention' at Party Conference to Call for Tax Cuts

Power Struggle Looms at Conservative Party Conference

Senior Tories are preparing to stage an "unprecedented intervention" at the party's conference tomorrow, calling for tax cuts. This move threatens to overshadow Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's hard-hitting policy announcements on smoking and education, as he seeks to turn his fortunes around. A bloc of rising star MPs, led by the New Conservatives, will unveil their demands in a 90-minute ambush, with other factions joining in the challenge to the PM's authority.

New Conservatives Demand Tax Cuts and Policy Reforms

The New Conservatives, spearheading the revolt, advocate for tax cuts, beginning with those benefiting typical white van workers. They assert that high taxes are stifling economic growth and propose raising the threshold at which small firms pay VAT from £85,000 to £250,000. This change would provide relief to plumbers, electricians, and beauticians, who have been increasingly burdened by taxes since 2017. The group also calls for a ban on woke trans ideology in schools, reduced immigration, and boosted apprenticeship programs, claiming that these policies align with the electorate's values.

Liz Truss Returns to Push Tax-Cutting Agenda

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who faced the collapse of her premiership just a year ago, will also join the rebellion. She will urge Sunak to return to her tax-cutting agenda, specifically targeting Corporation Tax, which currently stands at 25%. Truss argues that reducing the tax rate to 19% will support business growth and make the Conservative Party the party of business once again.

Red Wall MPs Demand Increase in Housing

The Northern Research Group of Red Wall MPs will add their demands to the mix, calling for the construction of 500,000 new homes. This move is seen as a challenge to the government's commitment to addressing the housing crisis and winning over working-class voters in traditionally Labour-supporting areas.