LONDON — British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wants to use his deal with the European Union on Northern Ireland to cement a reputation for competence and delivery. Several members of his Cabinet are instead hoping it will mark a return to traditional Tory tax cutting.
With less than two weeks to go before the March 15 budget, an improving picture in the public finances is encouraging senior ministers to step up pressure on Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt.
Two Cabinet members in recent days have floated the idea that Hunt should either scrap or curtail a planned rise in corporation tax. A third, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, has privately indicated she wants to see the main rate cut, according to people briefed on those conversations, though she is also lobbying the chancellor on other mechanisms to reduce costs for businesses.
