Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has criticized any potential tax cuts in the upcoming Budget as a “swindle.” He made these comments while visiting Jeremy Hunt’s constituency in Witley, Surrey, where the Liberal Democrats aim to unseat the Chancellor.
Davey highlighted cuts to GP care and emphasized his party’s chances of winning against the Conservatives in what is considered part of the “Blue Wall.”
Recent polling suggests the Liberal Democrats could win in the new Godalming and Ash constituency, where Hunt stands after boundary changes split up his South West Surrey seat.
The NHS is a major concern for voters in the area, with Davey pointing to a real-terms cut in GP funding in Surrey since 2018-19. He called on the Chancellor to reverse these cuts and outlined his party’s plan to boost GP services, funded by raising taxes on banks.
Lib Dem Leader (Credits: The National)
Regarding reports of another 2p cut in national insurance, Davey said the Liberal Democrats would scrutinize any tax proposals brought in by the Conservatives. He criticized the government for freezing tax allowances, effectively raising income tax for millions of people.
Davey warned that any tax cuts proposed by the Conservatives would be seen as a deception, calling the government a “tax-raising Conservative Government.”
Despite facing a challenge from a former sub-postmistress in his own Kingston and Surbiton seat, Davey expressed pride in representing the area and said he was looking forward to the election.
