Caroline Nokes welcomes 45p tax U-turn by government

Caroline Nokes, Tory MP for Romsey and Southampton North, spoke out after the chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, pledged to retain the 45p rate for people earning more than £150,000 a year.

Welcoming the announcement Ms Nokes said she was pleased the government had "listened to colleagues and constituents".

She added: "Like people in Romsey and Southampton North I want a government demonstrating it is on the side of individuals and families facing high energy costs."

The chancellor and the prime minister at the Tory conference. (Image: PA)

Ms Nokes had earlier criticised the measures announced by the chancellor last Friday.

Posting on social media at the weekend she said: "There were some good and important measures in the budget, help with energy bills for individuals and businesses being foremost among them.

"The reduction of the lower rate of tax was good for those on low incomes and many welcomed the reversal of the previous chancellor's position on National Insurance.

"However, in 12 years as an MP, I do not think a single constituent has ever contacted me asking for the 45p tax rate to be reduced."

Sir Desmond Swayne, Tory MP for New Forest West (Image: Chris Yandell, Newsquest)

But New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne, also speaking at the weekend, praised the mini-budget.

Citing the need for economic growth, Sir Desmond said a quarter of income tax revenue came from the top one-per-cent of taxpayers, who should be encouraged to maximise their initiative, enterprise and effort.

Last night Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for Southampton Test, called for parliament to be returned - despite the chancellor's announcement.

He said: "Once again the Conservative Party are in chaos and yet again a Tory PM is overseeing a crisis that is being paid for by working people.

"They need to return to parliament and sort out this disastrous budget."

Liz Jarvis, the Liberal Democrats' parliamentary candidate for Eastleigh, added: "This is an humiliating Government U-turn which comes too late for the people across Eastleigh who are seeing their mortgage rates soar.

“Enough is enough. It is this clear that this Conservative government has no plan, no clue and is completely out of touch."

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