Politics · United Kingdom · 1 day ago
Tories target “Waitrose Woman” with tax-cutting plans ahead of possible election
The UK Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch, is focusing on a voter it calls “Waitrose Woman” as it prepares for a possible snap general election.
The name describes an aspirational voter who wants lower taxes, not a specific person.
Party insiders say these voters may have backed Labour or the Liberal Democrats at the last election but still prefer Conservative economic policies.
At its conference in Birmingham, the party proposed abolishing Inheritance Tax on the family home, supporting childcare for parents earning £100,000 and scrapping a grocery tax.
The party says it would pay for these measures by cutting welfare spending.
Its challenge is to regain trust after its time in government, while showing voters that its plans are clear and can be delivered.
Recent polling cited in the story found that among people who shop at Waitrose, Labour had 28 points, the Conservatives 24 and the Liberal Democrats 21.
The Conservatives are targeting a voter they call “Waitrose Woman” as they prepare for a possible snap election.
The party describes this voter as aspirational and seeking a lower tax burden.
Kemi Badenoch’s conference offer includes abolishing Inheritance Tax on the family home, childcare support for parents on £100,000 and scrapping the “grocery tax”.
The Conservatives say they would fund the proposals by cutting the welfare budget.
YouGov polling of Waitrose shoppers put Labour on 28 points, the Conservatives on 24 and the Liberal Democrats on 21.
- Who
- The Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch, is targeting voters it calls “Waitrose Woman”.
- What
- The party is shaping its strategy and tax-cutting proposals around this voter group.
- When
- Ahead of a possible snap election, after policies were unveiled at the party conference.
- Where
- The proposals were unveiled at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham.
- Why
- The party wants to win back voters who want lower taxes and may have voted Labour or Liberal Democrat.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
sick to the back teeth of being hammered by tax rises
aspirational. Not necessarily a millionaire but above all wants a lower tax burden.
have very clear and detailed plans that stack up.
be prepared to show you will insist on it being delivered.
The Conservatives say they have conducted opinion research and spent time listening to voters.
The party unveiled policies at its conference in Birmingham.
- Target voter
- Waitrose Woman
- Leader
- Kemi Badenoch
- Conference location
- Birmingham
- Inheritance Tax proposal
- Abolish it on the family home
- Childcare proposal
- Support for parents on £100,000
- YouGov poll of Waitrose shoppers
- Labour 28 points; Conservatives 24; Liberal Democrats 21 points
Sources
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