Lib Dems slam 'cynical' Labour tax change

Date published: 16/05/2008

The Liberal Democrats are questioning the motives behind the Labour government's decision to offer compensation to many people following the debacle over the abolishment of the 10p basic tax rate.

Dale Mulgrew, Rossendale's Lib Dem candidate said: " I find the timing just before this next test of public opinion quite incredible from a Government reeling under supreme pressure. I am sure the people of Rossendale will see this as what it truly is – a knee jerk political bribe to see them through their current strife and to help stave off a further disastrous election blow."

The government faces a by-election in Crewe & Nantwich next week, following the tragic death of Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody MP, and Lib Dems are angry at the timing of the governments announcements on tax, given their standing in the polls.

Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable, added:  " The Chancellor is desperately trying to backtrack from the disastrous decisions of the Prime Minister but has still hasn't managed to get it right. This u-turn leaves 1.1 million of the lowest paid workers losing up to £100 each."