Conservative Tax Cuts Would Create Jobs, Says Cameron

A Tory government would slash corporation tax to stimulate new jobs, in an attempt to reduce the impact of a looming recession, David Cameron has insisted.

Opposition leader, Mr Cameron, who still leads in voter opinion polls, said a Conservative administration would generate an additional 350,000 by providing tax breaks to UK firms.

Mr Cameron, who has come under close scrutiny for his ability to handle important financial situations, said £2.6bn would be cut from corporation tax levies.

In a move aimed at shoring-up support for his party, Mr Cameron said such a strategy could limit the worst effects of a recession.

Mr Cameron is pit against Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who boasts a ten-year tenure as the man at the helm of the exchequer.

Figures published today suggest retail sales have hit a three year low, while house sales are dwindling to their lowest level in three decades.

The Tories have claimed, "Britain's economy is in crisis".

"Far too many jobs, business and livelihoods are at risk, and it is clear that we cannot rely on Gordon Brown to produce the positive policies that will help us cope with recession," the party said.

Under Conservative plans, proposed tax cuts would be funded through the redirection of welfare payments.

The party's proposals would be worth £2,500 per head a year to employers who hire workers that have been unemployed for three months or more.

Mr Brown has already indicated a tax cut may be on the cards, to stimulate national spending.

Any such announcement would be in the pre-budget report due out later this month.

A Times Populus survey out today puts Labour at 35-points, up five from last month.

The Tories lost ground, down four points, but still sitting ahead of the government comfortably at 41% approval.

The Liberal Democrats gained one point, bringing their share to 16%.

Gordon Brown is still viewed as the most apt to deal with the ongoing global financial crisis, with a 52% approval rating, compared to David Cameron's 32-points.

Despite this, Mr Cameron leads the Prime Minister by 7-points in popular opinion polls as the next man to head the government.

The Tory leader has a 42% backing compared to the PM's 35%.

A General Election must be called by 2010.

Under current circumstances an election would result in a hung parliament.

(PR/JM)