Nigel Farage is set to unveil Reform UK’s manifesto this afternoon following a significant milestone where the party surpassed the Tories in a poll for the first time last week.

Rishi Sunak’s Campaign Efforts

Rishi Sunak is returning to the campaign trail after a weekend occupied with prime ministerial duties. He aims to boost his party’s standing in the polls, employing a variety of strategies to sway voters. While millions are being spent on digital advertisements, the main political parties have adopted distinct approaches.

Digital Campaign Strategies

Labour has invested heavily in “reassurance” videos and efforts to introduce local candidates to their communities. In contrast, the Conservative Party has concentrated on attack ads targeting Labour.

Labour’s Tax Position

Jonathan Ashworth, Labour’s shadow paymaster general, has emphasized that there are no plans to raise taxes, including capital gains tax. On Times Radio, he reiterated that every commitment from Labour is fully funded. However, he avoided completely ruling out any future increases, instead criticizing the Tories’ tax claims as “absolute nonsense” and part of a “desperate” campaign.

Ashworth countered Conservative tax attacks by questioning the feasibility of Tory financial commitments. He suggested that, under the Tories, tax cuts would not materialize, but mortgage rates would increase by £4,800.

Key Points from Ashworth’s Statements

Capital Gains Tax: No current plans to raise it, but did not rule it out explicitly.
Council Tax Bands: No plans to change them.
Criticism of Tory Tax Claims: Described as “absolute nonsense” and part of a desperate campaign.
Tory Financial Commitments: Ashworth claimed they are unfunded and would result in higher mortgage costs.

As the political landscape heats up with manifestos and campaign strategies, the focus remains on the differing approaches of the main parties and their attempts to secure voter support in the upcoming general election.