Douglas Ross says 45p tax rate U-turn 'the right decision', despite asking SNP to cut tax after Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's mini budget
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MORAY MP Douglas Ross has called a U-turn on scrapping the 45p tax rate "the right decision", despite pushing for Scottish Government tax cuts.
Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng today (October 3) announced that the UK Government's plan to cut the top rate of tax has been abandoned.
Mr Ross, Scottish Conservative leader, initially responded to the budget by saying "cuts now must be backed up by the SNP-Green Government."
Also, in a tweet soon after the budget, Mr Ross said: "The UK Government has delivered tax cuts to turbo-charge our economy.
"The SNP must match these bold plans - and pass on the UK tax cuts to 2.4 million Scottish people."
However, at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham today, Mr Ross said he agreed with the decision to roll back the tax cut for top earners.
He said: "Now, this morning, we know that the Chancellor has confirmed a change to the budget that was presented 10 days ago.
"I think he has made the right decision.
"The best parts of the Government's growth plan going forward remain and the area that caused most concern has gone.
"Politicians have to listen and respond and that is exactly what the Chancellor has done.
"But let us look at this package of measures in the round.
"It is right that helping families through the cost of living crisis has been at the forefront of the political agenda.
"I welcome the capping of energy bills for both households and businesses announced by the prime minister.
“They are major spending commitments but they are a clear sign that the UK Government are prepared to step up and do whatever it takes to support people through the cost-of-living crisis.”
SNP MSP for Moray Richard Lochhead doubled down on his previous criticism of the budget.
He said: "The Chancellor’s so-called mini budget has been an absolute disaster for people in Moray and has caused complete economic chaos.
"Ordinary households who are already stretched financially have paid the price – including those who are now paying a Tory-dividend on their mortgage payments.
“Until now, Moray’s own Tory MP enthusiastically backed the Chancellor’s plans for tax cuts for the wealthiest, paid for by those on low incomes.
"In fact, he was so enthusiastic that he wanted the Scottish Government to follow the Tories' disastrous plans.
"Mr Ross’s credibility is now in tatters and this screeching U-turn by the Chancellor leaves him humiliated."
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