Rishi Sunak questioned by Marr over election manifesto promises

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Rishi Sunak appeared on the Andrew Marr Show to discuss his upcoming Budget on March 3 and was grilled by Mr Marr on whether he would break Conservative Party manifesto promises to fix the economic fallout from the pandemic. The Chancellor refused to reveal whether he would or not with Mr Marr suggesting he may be “hinting” at potential promise breaks. Mr Sunak denied these claims during a tense dressing down by the BBC host.

Speaking on the Andrew Marr Show, Mr Marr and Mr Sunak discussed how the Conservative Party was to “level with people” about the extent of the economic damage left by the pandemic. 

Mr Marr said: “If you’re going to level with people and be straight with people that must mean at some point tax rises go up.

“I’m trying to find out whether that includes corporation tax.”

Mr Sunak replied: “Andrew again, I appreciate you would like to talk about this now and I just can’t and I’m sorry about that but it’s right that we talked about these things in the round at budget.”

Mr Marr continued and said: “Did you tell Tory MPs that you’re going to raise taxes now so that you could cut them before the election?”

The Chancellor replied: “No I don’t recognise that and I think anyone, given the shock that we’ve had over the last year and the economic uncertainty we face, it would be brave for people to know exactly what was gonna happen in three years.

“What I’m focused on right now is preparing a Budget that provides support for people and businesses and families through the remaining stages of this crisis.”

But a gradually frustrated Mr Marr began to quiz Mr Sunak about whether he would stick to Conservative promise made in their manifesto. 

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He said: “Without going into any details or any particular taxes or anything else, can you promise me today that you will stick by your election manifesto promises?”

Mr Sunak clashed with the BBC host saying he was subtly asking what would be in the budget and so refused to answer. 

He explained that the Conservatives were elected because people trust them to deliver on their promises and listed their infrastructure investments as one election promise delivered.

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But Mr Marr added: “You say they elected you because they want to trust you and that you’re going to deliver on your promises.

“But you can’t say to me you’re going to deliver on your tax promises.”

The Conservative Minister once again reiterated he could not discuss the issue because it was sensitive information. 

The Budget is due to be announced on March 3 with many speculating what it could contain. 

The Chancellor has already revealed plans for a tax for online businesses as a way to fill the huge UK debt. 

He was also asked during a Sky News interview if he supported unlocking the country sooner if the data supported it but ruled it out. 

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