All these tax hikes

[Coastingby]

Think for a moment.

Why would the current government announce unload of unpopular tax increases now, to be implemented in 2028?

They won't see any increased income, and would have to implement them just before a General Election.

You're being played by a press that wants you to have heard about loads of tax increases that will never happen.

Wait and see.

Thats actually quite positive for the country isn't it?

20% is about where they are in the polls, with Reform on 27%

I read that as negative for the government, but perhaps I am wrong.

It was this that made think a positive:

"But it also indicates that the political damage inflicted by raising income tax would be reparable if it was paired with taxes on the wealthy and a positive vision for change, such as clear, achievable targets to improve public services"

They ve 3.5 years as well.

What have other parties got to offer?

No one trusts the Tories, even less than they do Labour, Farage is tied to Brexit, hence they can only convince 30% to support them.

The 2029 GE is not a shoe in for Reform.

I agree, I do not think Reform are a shoe in at the next GE, either.

But nor am I convinced that Labour are the answer, if their performance to date is a guide.

No me neither but i'll see how they do over the next 2 or 3 years.

Deciding now is foolish, who knows what awaits the world.

Reform cannot even get 30% according to YouGov, which considering how bad Labour have done, is quite telling, Tories even less popular.

I think any party that says they wouldn’t be happy with 30% rn would be lying.

So would Reform, they are on 27% according to YouGov, its not great at this stage.

That’s one poll. Others are over 30%.

Not great at this stage is clearly untrue. After 15 months MRP polls putting Reform on a win today after a few MPs at last GE is completely new.

Just from numbers alone it’s easy to see that.

Hmm.

I think the budget may well define the rest of this parliament.

Oh, I am no fan of Reform, but they are clearly popular.

Weren't they supposed to win that Welsh seat but didn't?

I'm not saying you re wrong but no one can predict a GE result 3.5 years away, Farage seems to be the block on Reform gaining greater support.

They really should be mopping up now, 27 or 30% doesn't cut it.

The government do seem to be focused on Reform as their main threat.

I do wonder whether it will have the effect of influencing Labour policy i.e. pulling them to the right in an attempt to address the threat.

Why should they be ‘mopping up’ and why isn’t a 32.4 swing doing that anyway?

Which parties get better swings than that?