Cameron is STILL 'relaxed' about copying French politicians in publishing his tax record (but not until 2015)
David Cameron today faced growing questions over his promise a year ago to publish his tax affairs.
Government ministers in France have begun releasing details of their financial records in the wake of a tax fraud scandal involving a close ally of President Francois Hollande.
The move put the spotlight on Mr Cameron’s pledge in April 2012 that he was ‘very relaxed’ about following the US example where politicians standing for high office make their tax record public.
The Prime Minister said at the time
that he wanted to ‘weigh up the pros and cons’ but thought it was
‘legitimate’ for voters to want to know if their elected leaders were
paying the right amount of tax.
Aides to Mr Cameron today insisted he remains ‘relaxed’ about the idea but were unable to give any information on progress made in putting his tax records into the public domain.
The Premier has also indicated he would be happy for other ministers to be made to publish their tax records, although it is not clear if it would be limited to the Cabinet or all members of the government.
Sources suggested the pledge related to adopting the American model, when details of tax returns are published in the run up to US Presidential elections.
They insisted the idea had not been shelved, but there were still two years until the general election in May 2015.
Chancellor George Osborne has also
backed the US model of disclosure, with Downing Street suggesting the
four most senior ministers would be expected to publish their tax
returns.
In Paris, ministers in Mr Hollande’s government were told to reveal details of their personal wealth by today.
It
came as part of efforts to regain public trust following the scandal
surrounding former budget minister Jerome Cahuzac, who is under judicial
investigation for tax fraud over a secret overseas bank account.
But challenged on Mr Cameron’s similar promise made a year ago, Downing Street drew a blank.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told a briefing of journalists: ‘The Prime Minister's view on whether he would be content to publish his arrangements and those of other ministers is that he would be relaxed about that. His view is unchanged. He would be relaxed about doing so.’
A year ago Mr Cameron told Sky News that publication of tax records for senior ministers ‘looks increasingly likely’.
He added: ‘No decision's been taken. It's important to weigh up the pros and cons. I don't want to put people off going into politics and there are arguments that need to be made, but personally I'm very relaxed.
‘We live in a more transparent age. I think a next stage, I won't say for all politicians but if you are running for the highest office, I think it is a legitimate question for people to ask.’
A Cabinet Office spokeswoman said that there was ‘no update at present’ on any work that might be taking place within government on the process by which details of ministers' financial arrangements could be made public.
Government ministers in France have begun releasing details of their financial records in the wake of a tax fraud scandal involving a close ally of President Francois Hollande.
The move put the spotlight on Mr Cameron’s pledge in April 2012 that he was ‘very relaxed’ about following the US example where politicians standing for high office make their tax record public.
David Cameron faced questions about his promise
to release his financial affairs after French President Francois
Hollande ordered his ministers to go public with their tax bill to
restore trust in his government
Aides to Mr Cameron today insisted he remains ‘relaxed’ about the idea but were unable to give any information on progress made in putting his tax records into the public domain.
The Premier has also indicated he would be happy for other ministers to be made to publish their tax records, although it is not clear if it would be limited to the Cabinet or all members of the government.
Sources suggested the pledge related to adopting the American model, when details of tax returns are published in the run up to US Presidential elections.
They insisted the idea had not been shelved, but there were still two years until the general election in May 2015.
It is thought senior British politicians in all
parties will be expected to publish their tax returns ahead of the next
general election
In Paris, ministers in Mr Hollande’s government were told to reveal details of their personal wealth by today.
Jerome Cahuzac was forced to resign as France's budget minister after an investigation was launched into his tax affairs
But challenged on Mr Cameron’s similar promise made a year ago, Downing Street drew a blank.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told a briefing of journalists: ‘The Prime Minister's view on whether he would be content to publish his arrangements and those of other ministers is that he would be relaxed about that. His view is unchanged. He would be relaxed about doing so.’
A year ago Mr Cameron told Sky News that publication of tax records for senior ministers ‘looks increasingly likely’.
He added: ‘No decision's been taken. It's important to weigh up the pros and cons. I don't want to put people off going into politics and there are arguments that need to be made, but personally I'm very relaxed.
‘We live in a more transparent age. I think a next stage, I won't say for all politicians but if you are running for the highest office, I think it is a legitimate question for people to ask.’
A Cabinet Office spokeswoman said that there was ‘no update at present’ on any work that might be taking place within government on the process by which details of ministers' financial arrangements could be made public.