PM won't rule out tax rises despite pledge in manifesto

Keir Starmer yesterday refused to rule out tax rises in next month's budget, which would breach Labour's manifesto promises, boosting speculation that Rachel Reeves is weighing raising income tax to reduce a shortfall.

- Peter Walker Senior political correspondent

The prime minister pointedly ignored questions posed to him by Kemi Badenoch in the Commons about the manifesto pledge, something the Conservative leader said he had not done when asked before.

The Guardian revealed this month that Reeves, the chancellor, was in active discussions about potentially raising income taxes as she looks for ways to clear an estimated shortfall of more than £30bn.

"Last year in its manifesto, Labour promised not to increase income tax, not to increase national insurance and not to increase VAT. Does the prime minister still stand by his promise?" Badenoch asked.