The UK public is most likely to say they ‘don’t believe either’ the Conservatives or the Labour Party on their pledges to not raise taxes, according to new research from Savanta.
When asked (31 May-2 June) who they believe on their promises to not increase rates of income tax, national insurance and VAT if elected at the next general election, the highest proportion of respondents say ‘I don’t believe either of them’ (41%).
Just one in six (17%) say they believe the Conservative Party won’t raise major taxes, despite Rishi Sunak attempting to make tax rises a key dividing line between him and Keir Starmer.
One in four (26%) say they believe the Labour Party when they say they won’t raise income tax, national insurance and VAT.
Of note, over 55’s – a key voting block for the Conservatives – are the most likely age group (51%) to say they don’t believe either of the major parties on their no tax rise pledges.
Chris Hopkins, Political Research Director at Savanta said, “Rishi Sunak has sought to make tax rises a key dividing line at this election, including during the first televised debate.
“His problem is that while he and Keir Starmer have made the same promises to not raise taxes, the public are actually less likely to believe the Conservatives than the Labour Party.
It’s clear that older people are considered crucial for the Conservatives this election, and they’re more likely than any other age group to say they don’t believe either party’s promises on tax. That’s not good for Starmer, but it’s worse for Sunak and likely speaks to voter’s wider cynicism during this campaign.”
