Cameron: Facing discontent?

Tories not in sync with Cameron

Tories not in sync with Cameron

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.