Illegal cigarettes are being sold in Chancellor John Healey’s own patch of Rawmarsh and Conisbrough. Illicit tobacco burned an estimated £4.46 billion hole in the Treasury’s balance sheet last year…
Guido has seen industry enforcement data reveals that at least six shops were found selling illegal packs across Healey’s constituency, with prices ranging from just £3 to £5. One shop selling illicit ‘Richmond’ cigarettes within easy walking distance of his own constituency office. The Chancellor will whack an extra £1.21 on a packet of 20 cigarettes in the next few days. Might want to check his own back yard…
At Labour Conference Healey is touting his plans to cut VAT on energy bills and save households £45 a year. But the tobacco duty rise will add 0.26% to inflation according to industry projections, cancelling out those savings. No wonder Labour NEC members are texting colleagues to instruct them to “clap as hard as you can” for the Chancellor…
Burnham said in his main conference speech: “For the historic victory he achieved for us, I am here to say: thank you, Keir.”