What has Labour said about income tax?

John McDonnell, the Shadow Chancellor, set out Labour’s tax plans during a speech at the Museum of London on 7 May – and pledged that the party would not raise income tax for anyone earning less than £80,000.

The 20p income tax rate that the Conservatives claim Labour will raise applies only to people earning under £45,000.

Mr McDonnell said: “The choice at this election is very clear on tax, as there is currently only one party which is committing not to raise taxes on middle and low earners - and that is the Labour Party.

“If Labour is elected next month we will guarantee that for the next five years there will be no tax rises for income taxpayers earning less than £80,000 a year, no hikes in VAT, and no changes in your National Insurance Contributions either.”

That pledge is also enshrined in the party’s manifesto, which promises: “A Labour government will guarantee no rises in income tax for those earning below £80,000 a year, and no increases in personal National Insurance Contributions or the rate of VAT.”