Poll misery for Reeves as just 21% would back tax rise U-turn

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves can expect fury this month if she breaks her manifesto commitment not to increase income tax, national insurance or VAT.

- BY DAVID WILLIAMSON

Exclusive polling revealed that just one in five people (21%) would support breaking the pledge to deal with a sudden hike in government borrowing costs, and just 29% would back a move to prevent an increase in debt.

Even if the country went to war, just 44% would support abandoning the landmark manifesto pledge.

The poll by More In Common found the only circumstances in which a majority would accept the move is if it was needed to prevent cuts to the NHS, schools or other public services (53%), and if the taxes fell on the highest earners (56%).

It is reported the Chancellor has told Budget watchdog, the Office for Budgetary Responsibility, that she does plan to increase income tax.