Voters believe Sir Keir Starmer is more likely to cut taxes than Rishi Sunak, poll reveals

A recent poll has revealed that voters in the UK believe Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour party, is more likely to cut taxes than Rishi Sunak, the current Chancellor of the Exchequer. This finding has left anxious Tories in despair as it challenges their party's reputation on economic policy.

Conservatives associated with higher taxes

The poll, conducted by Survation and based on responses from over 12,000 individuals, shows that 52% of the public associates the Conservative party with higher taxes, compared to 42% for Labour. This perception has led to concerns among voters that they will face increased tax burdens if the Prime Minister is reelected, with 77% believing they would pay the same or even more tax. However, this number drops to 66% if Sir Keir Starmer becomes the Prime Minister.

Pressure on Rishi Sunak

The poll results have increased pressure on Rishi Sunak to ease the tax burden on struggling families. There is a growing clamor for tax relief, especially in light of the upcoming Autumn Statement. Liz Truss, a prominent Conservative MP, has warned Sunak to remember the party's traditional stance on low taxes and take action to address voters' concerns.

Conservatism and low taxes for economic growth

Liz Truss emphasized the importance of the Conservative party returning to its roots as the party of business and low taxes. She argued that this approach is necessary to create economic growth and generate tax revenues that support public services. Truss also highlighted the need to make the case for Conservatism again, demonstrating the party's belief in low taxes and the economic benefits they bring.

Tax burden at a record high

The poll findings align with the current reality of the tax burden in the UK. Recent increases in headline tax rates and freezes on tax thresholds have pushed the tax burden to a record high for peacetime. HMRC boss Jim Harra has warned that an additional 1.2 million Brits will be paying taxes to the Treasury next year, bringing the total taxpayer population to 35.8 million.

Rishi Sunak's stance on tax cuts

Rishi Sunak's spokesperson has responded to the poll results, stating that the Chancellor intends to reduce taxes at the "appropriate" time, once inflation is under control. This suggests that Sunak acknowledges the public's desire for tax cuts and is considering the right moment to implement them.

Public opinion on tax levels

The poll also revealed that 52% of voters believe they pay too much tax, while 27% think they pay the right amount and only 8.2% believe they pay too little. These numbers highlight a significant dissatisfaction with the current tax levels among the UK public.

Appeal from the UK Spirits Alliance

The UK Spirits Alliance, an industry group, has made an appeal to Jeremy Hunt, urging him to avoid implementing further hikes in alcohol excise duty. The group argues that such increases would be crippling for businesses and consumers across the UK. They call on the Chancellor to listen to the British public and his own MPs and freeze the duty on alcohol.

Overall, the poll results have shaken the perception of the Conservative party as the party of low taxes. The findings indicate a need for the Conservatives to address this perception and make a stronger case for their economic policies to regain the public's trust.