Politics · United Kingdom · 9 hrs ago
Letter criticises Badenoch’s inheritance tax position as favouring the wealthy
Two letter writers criticised Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s economic views in letters about her conference speech.
Badenoch described her programme as offering “a better tomorrow” and argued that inheritance tax is unfair double taxation on earnings already taxed.
One writer said her preference for lower taxes, public spending and regulation echoed older free-market arguments, including those of 19th-century economist David Ricardo.
The other writer argued that most inheritance tax revenue comes from inherited and asset-derived wealth, including gains that are not taxed during a person’s lifetime.
The writer said this makes the tax different from money saved out of wages already taxed.
The letters said Badenoch’s position favours people with wealth to pass on, while many low-paid workers cannot build enough savings to leave to their children.
The letters set out criticism of her views; they do not describe any next steps.
A letter to the Guardian argues that Kemi Badenoch’s position on inheritance tax favours people with wealth.
Penelope Turton says most inheritance tax revenue comes from inherited and asset-derived wealth, including gains that go untaxed during a person’s lifetime.
Badenoch has argued that inheritance tax is unfair because people have already paid tax on the earnings they pass on.
Turton contrasts that argument with the financial pressures faced by low-paid workers who cannot build enough wealth to leave to their children.
- Who
- Penelope Turton wrote the letter criticising Kemi Badenoch’s position.
- What
- Turton argues that Badenoch’s inheritance tax position favours the wealthy.
- When
- The letter was published on 13 October 2026.
- Where
- The letter appeared in the Guardian. Turton is identified as being from London.
- Why
- Turton says most inheritance tax revenue comes from inherited and asset-derived wealth, and argues that many low-paid workers cannot accumulate wealth to pass on.
Kemi Badenoch
Penelope Turton
Inheritance tax
Kemi Badenoch
Badenoch regards inheritance tax as unfair double taxation on earnings already taxed.
Penelope Turton
Turton says most inheritance tax revenue comes from inherited and asset-derived wealth, including untaxed capital appreciation.
Fairness
Kemi Badenoch
Badenoch says people who work hard and save should be rewarded.
Penelope Turton
Turton argues that low-paid workers face hardship and may be unable to leave wealth to their children.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Letter writer
- Penelope Turton
- Publication date
- 13 October 2026
- Outlet
- Guardian
- Badenoch’s position
- She regards inheritance tax as unfair double taxation on earnings already taxed
- Turton’s argument
- Most inheritance tax revenue is driven by inherited and asset-derived wealth
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What people are saying
The real moral injury is borne by all those low-paid, hard-working people who face a choice between heating or eating
people who work hard and save should be rewarded for that effort