Richard Leonard says tax cuts must "not be a priority" in Scottish budget

Labour leader Richard Leonard has warned he will not back  tax cuts for Middle Earners in Scotland similar to those set out for workers elsewhere in the UK in the budget.

The move appears to mark a split with Labour south of the border where Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has said he won't reverse Philip Hammond's decision to restrict the 40 pence Higher Rate to those earning £50,000 and above a year early.

Scotland has control over income tax rates and bands and SNP Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has already indicated that he won't follow the cuts set out south of the border, insisting that Scotland will take a "fairer and progressive" approach.

Richard Leonard says Scots tax cuts should not be a priority

Mr Leonard said: “We want to see a Scottish budget where the richest pay their fair share to properly fund public services and tackle inequality.

“The Tories have clearly broken their promise to end austerity.

"Income tax is devolved and raising the higher rate threshold should not be a priority for the Scottish government, we need a distinctive tax that meets the needs of the people of Scotland.”

In Scotland, the Higher rate is set at 41 pence and applies to salaries of £43,400, significantly lower than the position UK-wide.

The Tories say that Scots should not be paying more in tax than elsewhere in the UK.

Tory finance spokesman Murdo Fraser said: “It seems even the Marxist John McDonnell isn’t extreme enough for Richard Leonard.

“It’s now clear there is a bidding war between the SNP and Labour to see who can punish hardworking Scots more severely.

“This intervention again goes to show that only the Scottish Conservatives are on the side of people and businesses when it comes to fair taxation.”