Furious Martin Lewis lashes out at Tory video of him - 'no where' did I say that

26 June 2024 , 12:57

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Furious Martin Lewis lashes out at Tory video of him - 'no where' did I say that

Furious Martin Lewis has slapped down the Tories after they posted a video of him and claimed it suggested Labour will put up people's taxes.

The MoneySavingExpert website founder tore apart the Conservative attack ad, quickly pointing out that "NO WHERE" in the clip had he spoken about taxes. Instead he said he had actually been referring to a "positive change" Labour was hoping to introduce.

In the video, which was taken from Wednesday's Good Morning Britain episode, Mr Lewis spoke about how he has behind the scenes discussions with the Tories and Labour. He said: "I had a conversation with a senior member of the Labour Party, a private conversation, as I do with both parties and the exact phrase they used with me, when I asked about a particular policy, they said: "We're not putting it in our manifesto because I can't commit. We'll do it but it is my aim we will do it over the next Parliament."

The MoneySavingExpert website founder tore apart the Tory attack post (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

The Conservatives then bizarrely posted the clip on X/Twitter, with a caption reading: "They're not telling you the full truth. Labour have said they wouldn't put up your taxes. But it's now becoming clear that they have every intention to put them up."

Mr Lewis hit back on social media: "NO WHERE in this comment do I talk about taxes. And the policy that I discussed (i will keep private as it was private) was NOT about taxes, or tax rises, it was about something that would be a positive change."

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Martin Lewis criticised the Tories' post on Twitter

The Tories have attempted to make tax issues the central focus of the election campaign but their attacks have been backfiring. Rishi Sunak was accused of "lying" after repeatedly telling viewers during an ITV General Election debate at the start of the campaign that Keir Starmer would hit Brits with £2,000 tax increases.

The PM had claimed in the debate that "independent Treasury officials have costed Labour's policies and they amount to a £2,000 tax rise for every working family". But the most senior civil servant in the Treasury the following day said this was not the case. James Bowler said he had warned ministers not to present the findings as produced by the civil service.

At the time, Labour's Jonathan Ashworth said: "I think last night what was exposed is just how desperate Rishi Sunak has become. Because he lied about Labour's tax plans. What he said last night about Labour's tax plans is categorically untrue. Labour will not put up income tax, will not put up National Insurance, will not put up VAT."

Sophie Huskisson