Former Secretary of State Robert Jenrick has criticized Kemi Badenoch’s recent tax proposals, accusing her of prioritizing benefits for the wealthy over the interests of ordinary workers. Jenrick, who serves as Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman, said he plans to increase the personal income tax allowance from £12,570 to £15,000, a move he claims would provide relief to millions of taxpayers.

Jenrick’s comments come amid ongoing debates within the Conservative Party and its allies over how best to stimulate economic growth and support working families. Badenoch’s proposal focuses on cutting inheritance tax, a position Jenrick contends favors wealthier individuals, rather than reducing income tax which directly impacts workers’ take-home pay.

Speaking ahead of today’s announcement, Jenrick argued that Badenoch’s approach neglects the financial struggles of “strivers and savers” in towns such as Mansfield, a traditional Labour stronghold, suggesting that her tax plan is out of touch with the broader population. He stated that by emphasizing inheritance tax cuts, Badenoch is effectively “sticking up two fingers” to those who rely on income tax relief.

The dispute highlights divisions within the party and its affiliated groups regarding tax policy priorities, with some advocating for wealth redistribution through inheritance tax changes, and others pushing for increased personal allowances to support lower- and middle-income earners.

Separately, Badenoch has rejected proposals for a formal political alliance between Reform UK and the Conservative Party, signaling potentially fractious relations as both sides seek to define their platforms ahead of future elections. Jenrick’s rebuke underscores ongoing challenges in uniting factions within the broader centre-right political landscape in the United Kingdom.