Reform MP Rupert Lowe has made a damning statement after Keir Starmer delivered his recent speech about the October budget.
Speaking from Downing Street on Tuesday, the prime minister said: “I will be honest with you, there is a budget coming in October and it's going to be painful.
“Just as when I responded to the riots, I'll have to return to the country and make big asks of you to accept short-term pain for long-term good. The difficult trade-off for the genuine solution.”
However, he did repeat his election promise that taxes would not go up for “working people”.
The budget is set to be held on October 30.
Reform MP Rupert Lowe reacted to the statement, writing on X: “Starmer says those with the 'broadest shoulders' should bear the 'heavier' burden.
“Says a man who understands nothing about wealth creation.
“These entrepreneurs and risk-takers will simply leave the country, taking jobs and tax revenue with them.
“It is not that complicated.”
During the speech, Sir Keir said: “Those with the broadest shoulders should bear the heavier burden” and “Those who made the mess should have to do their bit to clean it up”.
The PM said there was a “£22bn black hole” in the nation's finances – that he said the Office for Budget Responsibility did not know about – as he took aim at the last government.
He said: “I said change would not happen overnight. When there is a deep rot at the heart of a structure, you can't just cover it up… you have to overhaul the entire thing, tackle it at the root. Even if it's hard work or takes more time.”