Tories say re-electing Labour could cost consumers 900 a year

Michael Howard has claimed that giving Labour a third term of office would cost consumers 900 a year.

12:16 14 May 2004

Michael Howard has claimed that giving Labour a third term of office would cost consumers 900 a year.

Speaking yesterday the Conservative leader challenged the government to rule out any further national insurance rises if they win the next election.

According to the Tories independent experts have estimated that there is a 13 billion gap in Labour's accounts. Michael Howard's men feel that in order to plug this hole Labour may have to raise national insurance again - this time by four per cent.

This would mean voters would have to pay an average of 900 more a year.

"Gordon Brown is addicted to tax," said Michael Howard.

Speaking ahead of the launch of a new Conservative campaign document, "Let Down by Labour on Tax", Mr Howard said: "The chancellor has raised taxes 66 times since 1997 and if Labour win a third term, experts are saying he will need to raise taxes again.

"Labour have let people down with their stealth tax regime."

This latest salvo against Labour's economic plans comes amidst growing controversy in Iraq.

A recent poll for The Times newspaper saw Labour's support drop to its lowest level since 1987, however it also found that 58 per cent of people prefer a Labour government to a Tory one.