Is It Worth Taking Unpopular Decisions While Unpopular?

After weeks of preparing to break their manifesto pledge, Starmer and Reeves have ditched their plans to raise income tax. 

They’re scared it would have angered their MPs and voters, amid a dire performance in the polls.

How will Reeves plug the £30 billion gap in public finances if she doesn’t raise income tax?

Oli Dugmore is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Will Dunn to discuss.

READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/morning-call/2025/11/whats-behind-labours-income-tax-u-turn

SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:

⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2

LISTEN AD-FREE:

📱Download the New Statesman app

MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.