More tax cuts on way as Rishi warns voters against danger of economicall illiterate' Labour

SUNAK'S SUNNY OUTLOOK AS ELECTION COUNTDOWN BEGINS

- Martyn Brown

OPTIMISTIC Rishi Sunak will launch a nationwide charm-offensive this week as he tries to woo voters ahead of him calling a general election this year.

The Prime Minister will reassure people that further tax giveaways are on the cards for 2024 now he has managed to bring down inflation.

But he will warn voters that "economically illiterate" Sir Keir Starmer will raise taxes if he is elected. Though no date has been set, the PM will effectively kick off the election campaign by painting the Labour leader as weak on the economy.

He will begin a UK tour on Thursday in the East Midlands, where he will take part in a question and answer session. On the same day, Sir Keir will set out his stall in a speech in the South West.

Mr Sunak outlined tax cuts ahead in his New Year message, claiming: "Inflation is set to fall further. We're going further by reducing debt and cutting taxes." He will be promoting the 2p cut in National Insurance, which comes into force on Saturday.

A Downing Street source revealed: "The PM is making a series of stops where he will make his pitch to working families."

Referring to Labour's promise to spend £28billion a year until 2030 on green projects, they added: "We're starting the year as we mean to go on with a proper tax cut, a clear dividing line with Labour, who are weak on the economy and will put up taxes.

"Rishi's strongest asset is his economic experience - in stark contrast to Sir Keir's economically illiterate plan."

Labour scaled back the eco figure in the summer, insisting instead that it would be something to work towards.