The continuing story in London
Brown defends 10p tax change in face of revolt
"Gordon Brown today defended the decision to axe the 10p starting rate of income tax band in the face of a damaging backbench revolt that could derail government plans..."As Labour whips warned Gordon Brown that ministers had to intensify their efforts to explain their tax policy to MPs - or risk a serious Commons rebellion next Monday - the chancellor was understood to be drawing up plans to soften the blow of the tax change...
"The comments show that ministers have acknowledged - in private at least - that the prime minister is facing a grave threat as he returns from his tour of the US..."
Q&A: 10p tax rate cut
"What are the changes?"The 22% tax rate is coming down to 20%, and the 10% tax rate for lower earners is being abolished altogether - forcing more than five million workers up into the 20% tax bracket..."
If the rebels prevail, Brown could be ousted in days
"Labour MPs have a real and interesting opportunity. Let us be quite clear. If the rebellion over the 10p tax rate abolition continues to gather pace and the rebels hold their nerve, they can get rid of Gordon Brown as early as next week..."Labour is doing so badly in the polls that quite a lot of backbenchers, and even ministers, are saying behind their hands: 'Good thing too, let's call that bluff and have a change of leader while we can.'..."
posted by Ken Wedding @ 8:02 AM
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