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

P1 platform to offer Business Relief ahead of pension IHT changes

P1 platform to offer Business Relief ahead of pension IHT changes

Partnership with PXN Investments

Sophia Panayi
clock 15 September 2026 • 3 min read
Predictions and the value of financial advice

Predictions and the value of financial advice

'If there is one profession that has had to become comfortable with uncertainty, it is ours'

Andrew Aldridge
clock 10 September 2026 • 7 min read
Majority of advisers want CGT reporting in platform tax packs

Majority of advisers want CGT reporting in platform tax packs

Some 39% of advice firms cite tax planning as a priority

Sophia Panayi
clock 09 September 2026 • 1 min read