Wetherspoon’s boss Tim Martin praises economic ‘pedigree’ of Rachel Reeves

Wetherspoon’s Tim Martin has often lamented the fact that 20% VAT is levied on food sold in pubs but not in supermarkets. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/PA

Tim Martin, the politically outspoken boss of the JD Wetherspoon pub chain, has praised the new Labour chancellor’s economic “pedigree”, as he called for tax changes to help the struggling hospitality sector.

Martin regularly publishes economic and political commentary alongside his company’s results and has previously voiced support for Brexit and Boris Johnson.