On Thursday, Mr Johnson insisted that “the total burden of taxation is now very high – sooner or later, and I want it to happen sooner rather than later, that burden must be reduced”.
Another source familiar with Mr Sunak’s thinking said of Mr Johnson: “I don’t think he understands at all what the tax burden is.” The sage wants that, he too will not do it with renunciation.
Another source close to Mr Johnson denied that the prime minister had ruled out an immediate tax cut, saying: “The boss believes it is better not to have more money in families’ pockets.” They feel that action is necessary and action will be taken.
In the wake of last week’s trust vote, in which 148 lawmakers voted to remove the prime minister, Mr Johnson is facing growing demands to cut taxes as part of the government’s approach to the economy.
On Saturday, the health secretary, Sajid Javid, said Mr Sunak’s plans for income tax cuts in 2024 should “be brought forward” if possible, and former cabinet minister John Whittingdale said: “I would like to see tax cuts Want to go ahead. I think PM has been given an opportunity to show that he is the right person to lead the country in this difficult time.”
Tories risk ‘political destruction’ without tax cuts
Jake Berry, leader of the Northern Research Group of backbenchers, has warned that Mr Johnson risks driving the Conservatives to “political destruction” if they fail to deliver on policies such as tax cuts. Meanwhile, potential leadership contender Tom Tugendhat has warned that the Tories will surely preside over a “tax and spending … socialist nightmare”.
A minister said: “We need a proper economic plan. There is an emptiness where our core domestic and economic policies should be.” The minister stressed that personal tax cuts were needed by the autumn.
Last week, Lord Frost, who stepped down as Cabinet Office minister in December, called for tax cuts as part of a change in policy.
