Keir Starmer pledges not to raise income tax if Labor wins next election

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Sir Keir Starmer has promised not to raise income tax if he wins the next general election.

The Labor leader said that he would avoid increases "at all levels". ", having previously ruled out a wealth tax on the wealthiest in society.

He told The Mirror: "We will do nothing to increase the burden on working people , whether to tax or whatever.

When asked if he would raise income tax, he told the newspaper: “No.

Sir Keir has backed away from tax increases since pledging to raise them. income tax for the top five percent of earners in his 2020 leadership campaign, instead emphasizing his goal of delivering the highest growth in the G7.

< p>The leadership was criticized last month by the Labor left for its decision to exclude any kind of wealth tax if it wins the next election.

The move aims to blunt attacks from conservatives, with some fearing that the possibility of tax increases or unfunded spending commitments would be used to portray the party. as economically incompetent.

These plans echo those promised by Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown in the run-up to their landslide victory in 1997, when they pledged not to raise taxes and stick to Conservative spending going forward. the first two years.

Sir Keir is expected to use this year's party conference to explain how a government led by him could revive a sluggish economy, planning reforms at the heart of the party's bid to rebuild his path. to economic growth.

It will take place from October 8 to 11, following the Conservatives' conference to be held in Manchester from October 1 to 4.