Field warns PM over rebellion

Frank Field has warned the prime minister that potential rebels over the 10p tax move need further reassurance.

 

The former welfare minister said Labour had been damaged in last week's local elections because the government had failed to make clear what exactly was on offer.

 

And he said ministers must now issue a clear statement before the crucial Crewe and Nantwich by-election triggered by the death of veteran Labour MP Gwyneth Dunwoody.

 

Field said he could not understand why ministers had not spelt out the three elements of the compensation package - the changes that were being looked at, that it would cover as many of the affected people as possible, and that it would be backdated to April 5, the start of the tax year.

 

He told BBC2's Daily Politics programme: "I would go to the stake in my belief that the prime minister is committed totally to this package.

 

"What I cannot understand is why these three simple sentences were not communicated immediately to ameliorate the local elections. Now we need that clear statement for the Crewe by-election."

 

His warning came amid reports that he could revive his rebel amendment to the Finance Bill, which he withdrew last month following the announcement of the compensation package.

 

Field said the party needed to get its "bearings right" before the general election, now expected to be held in 2010.

 

He said: "I want us to go in when the election is called with clearly a change in tempo and style and approach."