Reform UK deputy signals potential rethink of £90bn tax-cut pledge

Reform UK’s deputy leader has suggested the party may need to reconsider its high-profile pledge to deliver £90bn in tax cuts, signalling a possible shift in fiscal commitments as the party meets for its annual conference.

Richard Tice told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that a manifesto produced in July 2024 "is not appropriate for a manifesto or contract whenever the next general election is." His remarks came two days before the start of Reform UK’s conference in Birmingham and following the defection of former Conservative minister Nadine Dorries to the party on Thursday evening.

The party’s manifesto, published ahead of last year’s general election, included commitments to slash income tax alongside large spending pledges on defence. Tice, who has expressed interest in becoming chancellor should Reform UK win power, said any ministerial appointments would be decided by party leader Nigel Farage.

Asked what he would prioritise as chancellor, Tice said the party would concentrate on identifying savings and cutting regulation. "We have to focus on the savings because regrettably the finances of this country are in terrible, terrible trouble," he said. "We will have to deal with whatever nightmare situation the government finances are in at the time."

Tice’s comments underscore internal debate within Reform UK about the feasibility and timing of large-scale tax reductions amid concerns about public finances. The remarks were made as the party gathers members and supporters in Birmingham, an event that will provide a platform for its leadership to refine policy positions ahead of any future election.

The manifesto’s £90bn tax-cut figure has been a central pillar of Reform UK’s platform, framed primarily around cuts to income tax. Any modification to that commitment would represent a substantive change in the party’s fiscal policy stance and could reshape public and political scrutiny of its economic plans.

Nigel Farage, as party leader, retains final authority over candidate selection and senior appointments, including any potential chancellor. Tice emphasised that priority decisions would be driven by the state of public finances at the time of taking office, indicating a contingent approach rather than a fixed schedule for implementing campaign pledges.

Reform UK’s conference will be watched for further signals about the party’s economic priorities, messaging and strategy as it seeks to expand its appeal to voters. The gathering follows the recent high-profile defection and comes amid ongoing debates across UK politics about fiscal policy, taxation and public spending.