Starmer on the ropes over tax warning: Labour leader accuses Rishi Sunak of lying as PM doubles down on bombshell claim

Rishi Sunak yesterday doubled the warnings that a Work Election victory would cost the average working household more than £2,000 in higher taxes – as Sir Keir Starmer called him a liar.

Labour’s rattling frontbenchers launched a furious rearguard action after Sir Keir failed to challenge the figure 12 times during Tuesday night’s TV debate.

Labor also seized a letter from a senior Treasury official questioning the presentation of the figures.

But the Prime Minister heeded the warning, and Tory Strategists plan to make it central to the party’s election campaign in the coming days.

In the aftermath of Tuesday evening ITV In the debate, Mr Sunak said Sir Keir ‘couldn’t have been clearer’ that Labour’s plans ‘will cost working families £2,094’.

Rishi Sunak doubled down on warnings that a Labor election victory would cost the average working household more than £2,000 in higher taxes – as Sir Keir Starmer branded him a liar

Labour’s rattling frontbenchers launched a furious rearguard action after Sir Keir failed to challenge the figure 12 times during Tuesday night’s TV debate

In a post on social media, he added: ‘In uncertain times we simply cannot afford an uncertain Prime Minister.

‘Keir Starmer will increase your taxes, don’t give him a blank cheque.’

Sir Keir angrily hit back last night, accusing the Prime Minister of ‘lying’ and suggesting he may have breached the ministerial code.

The main parties were expected to respect an informal truce yesterday during the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

But with Labor strategists concerned that the £2,000 figure would stick in voters’ minds, Sir Keir decided to break cover.

Labor has insisted it will not increase taxes on ‘working people’ and has ruled out increases to income tax, national insurance and VAT.

Sir Keir told reporters in Portsmouth that the Prime Minister had ‘lied about our plans’, adding: ‘What you saw last night was kind of a bright light on the Prime Minister’s character because when he had his back against the wall, what did he do?

“He lied, and he knew he was lying. I don’t say that lightly. That’s not something I avoid.’

Finance Minister Bim Afolami accused Sir Keir of making the inflammatory claim to “distract people” from the truth about his plans.

The tax figure used by Mr Sunak emerged in a dossier released by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt last month, which is largely based on a Treasury analysis of Labour’s plans.

The document shows that Labour’s published plans would cost £38.5 billion more than the tax rise proposals would generate.

Mr Sunak repeatedly challenged Sir Keir on the figures during Tuesday’s ITV debate with Julie Etchingham, which was watched by more than five million viewers.

This figure equates to an increased tax burden of £2,094 per working family over the expected four-year life of the next parliament.

The figure is based on an analysis of 27 Labor pledges.

Treasury officials carried out the analysis of 21, while the rest were based on Labor figures or independent analysis.

Mr Sunak repeatedly challenged Sir Keir on the figures during Tuesday’s ITV debate, watched by more than five million viewers.

Sir Keir initially avoided the issue, and his reluctance to push back alarmed Labor officials.

Energy Minister Claire Coutinho said the Labor leader’s reluctance to question this figure was “very telling”.

She said the figure was based on “official Treasury costings”, adding: “I have worked in the Treasury and I can tell you that these are brilliant, independent civil servants and there is nothing dodgy there would put in.’

Laura Trott, principal secretary at the Treasury, rejected Labour’s claims that Mr Sunak had lied.

She said: ‘What is absolutely clear is that, as a result of independent analysis, Labour has a £38 billion black hole in its policies.

‘That will lead to £2,000 in extra taxes for every family across Britain.

‘This is largely supported by the Treasury’s analysis, so if people think Labor will win this election they need to start saving.’

But shadow paymaster general Jonathan Ashworth said: ‘I feel Rishi Sunak has been exposed as desperate – desperately lying about Labour’s tax plans, making accusations about Labor’s tax plans that are categorically untrue – Labor will have no income tax, no national tax plans lift. The insurance will not charge VAT.’

In a letter to Labour, James Bowler, permanent secretary at the Treasury, said ministers had been asked not to attribute the £38.5 billion to impartial civil servants. He said the figure “includes costs beyond those of the civil service.”

But Tory sources said the Treasury’s analysis of more than 20 Labor policies was available for anyone to read on the government’s website.