Labour’s new deputy leader, Lucy Powell, has cautioned that the party must uphold its pledges on taxation as outlined in its manifesto. Powell stressed the importance of the government led by Keir Starmer keeping faith with the commitments made prior to Labour’s significant election triumph.
This statement follows recent remarks by Rachel Reeves, signaling potential tax increases in a pre-Budget speech from Downing Street. Despite persistent questioning, the Chancellor declined to reaffirm Labour’s manifesto vow not to raise income tax, VAT, or national insurance for the working populace.
In response to queries about the possibility of reneging on the promise, Powell affirmed the necessity of honoring the manifesto, emphasizing the significance of maintaining trust in politics to garner public support.
Advocating for the removal of the two-child benefit cap, Powell echoed former Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s call for its complete elimination, citing the urgency of the matter to prevent further children from plunging into severe poverty.
Powell’s victory in the deputy leadership contest against Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson was fueled by her campaign urging a strategic shift within the party.
The upcoming Budget, Powell believes, will align with the party’s commitment to improving the financial well-being of ordinary working individuals.