Neil MacGillivray: Is BoJo's tax promise good news or a 'red bus'?

Tax ‘tipping point’

clock • 4 min read

Should Boris Johnson end up as prime minister, it will be interesting to see if he delivers on his tax promise, writes Neil MacGillivray - though more fascinating still could be such a change's impact on Scottish tax policy

When Boris Johnson announced that, if he becomes the next prime minister he would increase the 40% tax threshold from £50,000 to £80,000, there was a degree of scepticism as to whether he could deliver on what at first appears to be an exceptionally generous promise. Might this just be another exaggerated claim similar to the infamous advert that exiting the EU would lead to another £350m a week going to the NHS? There have been no red buses in sight just yet but, then again, little in the way of detail has been revealed - other than the cost to the Treasury being in the region of £9.6bn...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax planning

HMRC releases 'crucial' technical note on IHT on pensions

HMRC releases 'crucial' technical note on IHT on pensions

Law firm warns of complexity and risk for families and executors

Jenna Brown
clock 11 May 2026 • 3 min read
Advisers must shift IHT planning mindset from 'passive to active'

Advisers must shift IHT planning mindset from 'passive to active'

Speaking on a PA360 IHT-focused panel session

Jenna Brown
clock 11 May 2026 • 3 min read
How fixing the £100,000 childcare cliff edge could boost families and the Treasury coffers

How fixing the £100,000 childcare cliff edge could boost families and the Treasury coffers

'A flawed tax policy with real consequences for families and the wider economy'

Charlene Young
clock 07 May 2026 • 4 min read