Key facts
- Kemi Badenoch urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to rule out tax rises.
- Badenoch stated that businesses are not "cash machines" for politicians.
- She argued that Burnham's pledges would lead to higher taxes for taxpayers and families.
- A Labour spokesperson defended Burnham's policies and criticized "Tory politics".
- Burnham's approval ratings are higher than Badenoch's.
Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to rule out tax increases to fund his administration's early policy announcements. Badenoch criticized Burnham's approach, stating that "Businesses are not cash machines for politicians." She argued that any tax rises would ultimately burden taxpayers, businesses, and families, rather than solely targeting the wealthy.
Badenoch specifically criticized Burnham's pledges, such as capping bus fares and removing VAT from energy bills, suggesting these would be paid for by increased taxes elsewhere. She contended that government policies have already made essential services like energy, employment, and regulation more expensive.
A Labour Party spokesperson responded by criticizing "Tory politics" and defending Burnham's initial policy moves, which included proposals like swapping lower business rates for pubs with higher rates for vape shops. The spokesperson indicated these were just the beginning of Burnham's agenda.
The political landscape has shifted with Burnham's premiership, forcing Badenoch to adapt her opposition tactics. Taxation and immigration are expected to remain key policy battlegrounds. Burnham's promise of collaborative work with opposition parties could also alter inter-party dynamics. Current Yougov polling indicates Burnham enjoys a higher net approval rating (three points) compared to Badenoch (-11), and also surpasses Sir Keir Starmer's initial approval rating post-election.