Tory Chairman Calls for Tax Cuts Ahead of Next General Election

Strategic Insights -

Lord Tebbit, a former chairman of the Conservative Party, urged the party to offer tax cuts before the next general election, amidst growing pressure on party leader David Cameron. Speaking at the party's conference in Bournemouth, Lord Tebbit cited historical evidence from Conservative manifestos in 1979 and 1987, where promises of income tax cuts helped win landslide victories for Margaret Thatcher. He also claimed that independent research showed a majority of activists believed tax cuts should be a priority for the Tories. Lord Tebbit argued that tax cuts work, citing the example of Ireland, and warned that the party's stance on tax cuts would be a major factor in winning back voters who have defected to Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lord Tebbit argued that there is a "compulsive moral and economic case" for the Tories to offer up-front tax cuts, as it has worked in the past and can benefit both rich and poor people.
  • He cited historical evidence from Conservative manifestos in 1979 and 1987, where promises of income tax cuts helped win landslide victories for Margaret Thatcher.
  • Independent research at the conference showed that a clear majority of activists believed tax cuts should be a priority for the Tories at the next election.
  • Lord Tebbit claimed that the party's stance on tax cuts would be a major factor in winning back voters who have defected to Labour and the Liberal Democrats.
  • He criticized David Cameron's promise to "share the proceeds of growth" between public services and tax cuts, saying it would increase the share of GDP taken by the Treasury.
  • Lord Tebbit took a dig at Mr. Cameron's privileged background and Eton education, saying that people get better value when they spend their own money.
  • He argued that tax cuts could provide the Tories with a much-needed weapon to win over less well-off voters.

Statistics:

  • 200 activists voted in an independent straw poll at the conference, with a clear majority believing tax cuts should be a priority for the Tories.
  • 50% was the proposed split between public services and tax cuts according to David Cameron's promise.
  • 1979 and 1987 were the years when Conservative manifestos promised income tax cuts, which helped the party win landslide victories.

Sources:

  • Lord Tebbit, quoted in The Telegraph, Sep (no date provided)
  • The Conservative Party, conference in Bournemouth (no date provided)
  • Independent research, presented at the conference (no date provided)