The Guardian – Hunt reveals £20bn in tax cuts as Tories move on to election footing 

Jeremy Hunt announces a higher than expected 2p cut in national insurance, The Guardian says, as the Conservatives “move on to election footing”. The measures have fuelled speculation about a snap general election in the spring. 

The paper says that the “bigger than expected” tax cuts will be paid for by a “fresh squeeze on public spending”. It sees the rise in state benefits and pensions as a clear sign the government is trying to win votes. 

The paper’s leader article says “this Tory pro-rich tax giveaway is paid for by bankrupting the state”.