PM says manifesto ‘really clear’ on tax and national insurance after questions over definition of working people

Keir Starmer has denied misleading the public over tax rises during the election campaign, amid reports the government is planning to increase employers’ national insurance contributions.

Asked if he had misled voters by not warning them about the billions in tax rises expected in the government’s first budget on Wednesday, the prime minister said: “No, we were very clear about the tax rises that we would necessarily have to make whatever the circumstances … I listed them I don’t know how many times in the campaign.