Rachel Reeves urged to break manifesto pledges to avoid ‘pasty tax’ budget

The GuardianSaturday, October 4, 2025 at 5:00:56 AM
Rachel Reeves urged to break manifesto pledges to avoid ‘pasty tax’ budget
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, is facing pressure from her Labour colleagues to reconsider the party's manifesto commitments in light of the Office for Budget Responsibility's recent fiscal forecast. The concern is that sticking to these pledges could lead to a budget that relies on unpopular small tax measures, often referred to as a 'pasty tax.' This situation highlights the internal tensions within the government as they navigate fiscal challenges while trying to maintain party promises.
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