Tories not in sync with Cameron
Monday, 24 November 2008 12:00 AM
The Tory backbenches favour tax cuts to stimulate the economy despite David Cameron's opposition to chancellor Alistair Darling's stimulus plan.
A ComRes survey of MPs for the Independent shows Conservatives support tax cuts by a margin of two to one.
A large number also believe the "green" taxes suggested by Cameron are not the right plan for a recession.
The poll brings to light disharmony amongst the government as Labour MP's oppose a reduction in taxes by four to one. The chancellor hopes to quell this uprising by aiming his plan at low income households.
Mr Cameron has conceded it would be a political risk to oppose the measures but insisted he will do what is right for the economy.
Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, Mr Cameron said: "The last thing people need is the news that permanent tax rises are going to clobber them."
The poll also shows the Conservatives have a bleaker view of the economy, while 81 per cent believe that a serious recession is coming compared to only ten per cent of Labour MP's.
Fifty-one per cent of Labour MPs predict a moderately serious recession and 37 per cent think a mild recession is more likely.
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