Cost-of-living alert as PM fails to rule out raising income tax

SIR Keir Starmer sparked cost-of-living terror yesterday by all but confirming the Chancellor will hike income tax at next month's Budget.

- By Christian Calgie Senior Political Correspondent

Cuts to the chase... Ms Badenoch yesterday

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch used PMQs to skewer the Prime Minister over Government plans after a week of reports that Labour will break its manifesto pledge.

Asked whether the commitment to not raise income tax, National Insurance or VAT still stands, Sir Keir swerved the question.

He responded: "I can tell the House now that we will build a stronger economy, we will cut NHS waiting lists and deliver a better future for our country."

Ms Badenoch said: "What a fascinating answer. It is not the same answer that I received when I asked exactly the same question word for word on July 9.

"Then the Prime Minister replied with just one word, 'Yes'. And then he sat down with a smug grin on his face.

"What's changed in the past four months?"

Sir Keir pivoted to blaming the Tories for the flatlining economy and tax woes - resulting in a black hole of £25billion-plus in the public purse. He insisted "no Prime Minister or Chancellor will ever set out their plans [ahead of a Budget]".