Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Javid, Hunt pledge tax cuts as they launch leadership bids

There are eight candidates already, with at least two more still expected to join the race

Javid, Hunt pledge tax cuts as they launch leadership bids

BRITAIN's former health secretaries have launched leadership bids to succeed Boris Johnson as prime minister, according to a report.

Jeremy Hunt and Sajid Javid used interviews with the Telegraph newspaper to announce their intention.

Both Hunt, who lost out to Johnson in the 2019 leadership race, and Javid, said as leader they would cut corporation tax to 15 per cent, while Javid also said he would reverse an increase in social security contributions which took place in April. The current corporation tax rate is 25 per cent.

"It’s very straightforward why I want to do it," Hunt told the Telegraph of his plans to run. "It is because we have to restore trust, grow the economy, and win the next election."

Javid, who is also a former finance minister, told the newspaper: "We cannot afford not to have tax cuts."


Also Read | What former health secretary Javid told parliament in his parting blow to PM Boris Johnson


Transport secretary Grant Shapps and finance minister Nadhim Zahawi had earlier launched their campaigns. According to reports, there are eight candidates already, with at least two more still expected to join the race.

An increase in national security contributions was introduced during Javid's time as health secretary to fund the NHS and social care.

In an apparent attack on Rishi Sunak, his rival for the leadership, Javid told the Telegraph: “I'm not sure I would have done it if I had been chancellor, but I was focused on my job and I'm not trying to do other people's jobs for them.”

Recently, Rishi Sunak announced he will stand in the Conservative Party leadership contest via a slickly-produced video.

Posting a clip on Twitter, alongside a #Ready4Rishi hashtag, he wrote: “I’m standing to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and your Prime Minister.

“Let’s restore trust, rebuild the economy and reunite the economy.”

Meanwhile, Javid also announced the idea to bring forward the planned 1 per cent income tax cut to next year and a further temporary cut to fuel duty.

Hunt, 55, said he had plans to scrap business rates for the most deprived parts of the country for five years. He also revealed plans to slash corporation tax to 15 per cent, the lowest level allowed under a recent agreement of the G20.

Hunt also criticised Johnson's levelling-up agenda for being "far too New Labour". He also pledged to immediately slash the 19 per cent rate to 15 per cent in an autumn budget. 

According to the report, he also argued that he was the 'only major candidate who 'has not served in Boris Johnson's government'.

More For You

Air India

The airline said the aircraft landed safely and was being inspected 'as a matter of abundant precaution'.

Getty

Delhi-bound Air India Dreamliner returns to Hong Kong mid-air due to technical issue

AN AIR INDIA Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flying from Hong Kong to New Delhi returned to Hong Kong shortly after takeoff on Monday due to a suspected technical issue.

This incident comes days after an Air India flight to London, also a Boeing 787-8, crashed in Ahmedabad just after takeoff, killing 241 of the 242 people on board.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer said earlier on Sunday that he had dropped his initial opposition to a national inquiry in favour of one being led by Louise Casey, a member of the parliament’s upper house. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Police crackdown on grooming gangs following national inquiry announcement

AUTHORITIES have announced a nationwide police operation targeting grooming gangs suspected of sexually exploiting thousands of girls and young women over several decades.

The announcement came hours after prime minister Keir Starmer said a national inquiry would be launched into the scandal, which recently drew attention from Elon Musk.

Keep ReadingShow less
british-airways

The airline did not provide details on the departure time, number of passengers or crew on board, or how long the flight was in the air before returning. (Representational image: Getty Images)

Getty Images

British Airways Chennai flight returns to London mid-air due to technical issue

A BRITISH AIRWAYS flight bound for Chennai returned to London mid-air on Sunday after reporting a technical issue.

The airline said the aircraft landed safely and passengers and crew disembarked normally. “The aircraft returned to Heathrow as a standard precaution after reports of a technical issue,” British Airways said in a statement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Siddhashram leads interfaith tribute to Ahmedabad plane crash victims

Gareth Thomas MP

Siddhashram leads interfaith tribute to Ahmedabad plane crash victims

Mahesh Liloriya

In the wake of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, London came together in an emotional outpouring of grief and unity at the Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow. Over two solemn days, the revered spiritual haven hosted a series of powerful ceremonies led by His Holiness Rajrajeshwar Guruji, drawing together faith leaders, public figures, and residents from across communities.

On the day of the tragedy, Guruji led a spiritually charged recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa 12 times, joined by a team of spiritual practitioners from India. The prayer created a deep atmosphere of collective mourning and healing.

Keep ReadingShow less