Boris Johnson bids for Tory leadership by promising ban on any new taxes and huge public investment in Brexit Britain
Tory heavyweight and former Foreign Secretary makes bid to build bridges with ‘Remain’ voters in his post-Brexit plan for 'national cohesion'
BORIS JOHNSON will promise a ban on ANY new taxes and a huge investment in public services in a blueprint for Brexit Britain.
In a thinly veiled leadership pitch – and bid to build bridges with ‘Remain’ voters – the Tory heavyweight will spell out a plan for “national cohesion”.
He will say Britain has to create the “most favourable tax environment” with no new taxes and no increases in income tax rates.
“This is not because we want to create a tax haven for the rich.
“But because that is the way to stimulate the income we need to pay for this national programme of cohesion.”
And the ex-Foreign Secretary will say it’s not good enough to control immigration – but that Britain has to also address the causes of the huge gap between London and the rest the country.
The call will come in a speech at the HQ of JCB – the digger maker run by Tory donor Lord Anthony Bamford.
Ex-PM David Cameron used the site for a keynote speech in 2014 demanding changes to EU treaties to curb immigration.
How will this all end? Brexit outcomes explained
GOING SOFT
A cross-party group of MPs are frantically pushing an alternative Soft Brexit plan which could replace Mrs May's deal.
It would be welcomed by big business - but Brexit voters would be unhappy because it would mean Britain accepting open borders, and following European rules without a say.
HOW LIKELY? 3/5
HARD AS NAILS
Most of the Tory Brexiteers who oppose the PM's deal want her to return to Brussels and strike a tougher line.
But Eurocrats currently insist it's impossible to re-open negotiations.
HOW LIKELY? 2/5
REFERENDUM RE-RUN
Dozens of MPs are hell-bent on forcing Mrs May to hold a second referendum so Britain can stay in the EU.
Yet without the support of the Government it's unlikely the second vote could become a reality.
HOW LIKELY? 3/5
DEAL OR NO DEAL?
If Mrs May cannot pass a deal, the legal default is that we will leave the EU without a deal on March 29.
Despite the legal position, the majority of MPs insist they will take any measure necessary to rule out No Deal.
HOW LIKELY? 4/5
MAY TRIUMPHS - EVENTUALLY
Cabinet ministers remain adamant that a version of Theresa May's plan will eventually pass the Commons, even after losing last night.
They believe sceptical MPs will lose their nerve as Brexit Day approaches - terrified of either No Deal or a second referendum.
HOW LIKELY? 3/5
In comments trailed he said: “If you look at the distribution of the Brexit vote, it is clear that people felt that gap in attainments and prospects and that they wanted something done.
“If we are to bring our nation together that means investing in great public services and safer streets, better hospitals, better transport links and better housing.”
Raab's Brexit vision
The speech comes just days after leadership contender Dominic Raab – the ex-Brexit Secretary – laid out his own vision for Brexit Britain.
The Tory called for a rise in the National Insurance earnings threshold and a gradual reduction in the basic rate of income tax.
His speech was attended by Sir Graham Brady, the influential chair of the 1922 backbench committee. Allies of Boris Johnson worry that his ‘hard-Brexit’ stance will hamper his chances in any leadership election.
Last summer, former Attorney General Dominic Grieve vowed to quit the Conservative Party if Boris Johnson became leader. Some 11 other Tory MPs also threatened to resign.
MOST READ IN BREXIT
Earlier this week, the ex-Foreign Secretary admitted he had ‘bottled’ the chance of becoming leader in 2016 – when Michael Gove withdrew his support on the eve of his campaign launch.
Speaking to LBC on Monday, Mr Johnson said that “in retrospect” he might have done things differently.
One senior Tory said: “Boris has still got a great chance. He is the one who can enthuse people – and bring back the optimism.
“Remember he won as Mayor of London not once, but twice in one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world.”
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