THE Prime Minister swerved questions about whether he wanted a spring General Election and whether the Tories had written off the Central Belt seats.
Rishi Sunak fuelled speculation of a Spring 2024 election with a new year tax giveaway Autumn Statement last month.
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And we revealed yesterday how Scottish Tory chiefs were ready for and expecting a possible Spring election, and in June how they admitted their support had “collapsed” in the Central Belt.
Despite this, they reckon they could increase their MP tally of six at the General Election by focussing on rural seats in places such as the north east.
However, asked about the Central Belt and whether he wanted an early election, Mr Sunak said: “I’m focused on delivering for people across the UK and that, as Douglas [Ross] said, has been the track record of my time in office.”
He added: “Everyone in the central belt and everyone across Scotland is going to benefit from the tax cut that is coming in in just a few weeks time.”
Asked if he was concerned about a Tory wipeout in Scotland, the PM added: “No, I’m not actually.
“We remain very confident about both what we’re accomplishing and delivering in Scotland and the response that we’re getting from people on the ground.”
Mr Sunak also warned SNP ministers against worsening the cost-of-living crisis by hiking income taxes in tomorrow’s Holyrood Budget.
He said it would be “very disappointing” if Humza Yousaf and his deputy Shona Robison increased the burden on workers and families today.
Mr Sunak also demanded the SNP explain why they are hiking taxes and to “take responsibility” for their budget.
It comes as the Scottish Government seeks to plug a £1.5billion hole in finances fuelled by public sector pay rises to avert or end strikes.
As we told last week, Finance Secretary Shona Robison’s plans could include a new tax band for Scots earning between £75,000 and £125,140.
But experts warn it would only raise £40million-£60million.
Business groups have warned against increasing the tax burden on Scots and opening up a bigger gap with the rest of the UK.
Visiting RAF Lossiemouth in Moray – where he thanked personnel for their service ahead of Christmas – Mr Sunak warned about higher taxes and said: “I don’t think it’s the right approach because I think we should be cutting taxes, not raising them.
“I fundamentally believe people should be able to keep more of the money that they earn.
“I think that’s important, particularly at a time when cost of living is a concern.”
Independent economists last week said new spending on pay deals for doctors and teachers, alongside commitments such as the council tax freeze had resulted in a £530m widening of the financial hole at the heart of the Scottish budget.
The PM said: “Scotland is already the highest taxed part of the UK and the Scottish Government has received record funding from the UK Government – an extra half a billion just the other week in the Autumn Statement.
“It’s important now that the Scottish Government take responsibility for their finances.”
Mr Sunak said he was “determined” to save people money and cut taxes and pointed to the recent National Insurance tax cut, from 12 per cent to 10 per cent from January.
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Meanwhile, on a pre-Budget visit to Larder Café in Broxburn, West Lothian, Ms Robison – who has hinted at public sector jobs to balance the books – said: “What I would say to Rishi Sunak is he’s got a bit of a cheek pitching up in Scotland to say anything given his Autumn Statement is deprioritising public spending, which will be there for all to see, not just in Scotland but in Wales and England.”
Last week, Strathclyde Uni’s Fraser of Allander Institute said SNP ministers should have acted earlier to prevent a huge spending gap, and criticised ministers for thinking Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement would provide a reprieve.
