Tom Tugendhat criticizes VAT on private schools as vindictive

In the UK, Conservative leadership hopeful Tom Tugendhat criticized Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves during the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham. He claimed that Reeves identified a £22 billion 'black hole' in public finances, likening her to Mr. Spock from Star Trek for her focus on financial issues. Tugendhat warned that the upcoming October Budget could lead to economic decline, suggesting it would take the country back to the 1970s. He also condemned the Labour government's plan to introduce a 20% VAT on private school fees, labeling it as a 'vindictive and nasty policy.' Tugendhat expressed his intention to abolish this VAT if he were to lead the next government, arguing that it would negatively impact not only those who send their children to private schools but also the broader public through increased class sizes and business rates. He emphasized the need for the Conservative Party to rebuild trust with the electorate, acknowledging that recent elections reflected a desire for change rather than support for the party. Additionally, Tugendhat highlighted his stance against authoritarian regimes, mentioning his sanctions by countries like Russia and China, and his previous role as a uniformed intelligence officer. The leadership contest is set to conclude with the announcement of Rishi Sunak's successor on November 2.