Full Breakdown
Andrew Griffith’s First Shadow-Chancellor Speech: Tax Reform Promises and Calls to Rule Out Tax Rises
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
In his inaugural speech as the Conservative Party’s shadow chancellor, Andrew Griffith announced that, should the Conservatives return to government, they would replace the IR35 tax regime rather than reform it. He also urged Labour Chancellor John Healey to exclude any tax increases from the upcoming autumn Budget.
Background & Context
The Conservative Party reshuffled its front bench at the end of August 2026, appointing Griffith as the opposition counterpart to Labour’s chancellor. The move follows a period of economic strain in the United Kingdom, with rising energy costs, borrowing pressures and public concern over tax burdens. Labour’s Chancellor John Healey has signalled a “sober tone” ahead of the fiscal event scheduled for October 28.
Data & Statistics
- The Federation of Small Businesses estimates that £25 billion is spent annually by small firms on tax compliance.
- Business owners reportedly devote 44 hours per year to completing tax paperwork.
Official Statements & Responses
To develop the proposed reforms, Griffith announced a task-force led by Lord Mackinlay of Richborough (former South Thanet MP) and Robert Colvile (outgoing director of the Centre for Policy Studies think-tank).
Verbatim Quotes
- “What will that look like? Well, I’m committing today that the next Conservative government will replace IR35, not reform it, not review it, but replace it with a new system that respects the right of the self-employed to choose their status and only prevents actual abuse.” — Mr Griffith
- “This is not a moment to put up taxes, we’ve had two budgets that have put up taxes to the highest ever recorded level, let’s just take that off the table.” — Mr Griffith
What’s Next
The next major fiscal milestone is the autumn Budget on October 28, where Labour’s Chancellor John Healey is expected to outline the government’s tax strategy. The Conservative Party’s ability to influence that agenda will depend on the outcome of the forthcoming general election.
