New chief softer on tax cuts?

The election of Simon Bridges could see National adopt a softer stance toward tax cuts, with the new leader hinting at social spending as priority.

Talking to The Dominion Post just after the caucus vote that put him in the top job, Bridges said social services might be a bigger priority than tax cuts.

‘‘Ultimately, the first point is you don’t do tax cuts while you’re still trying to do a good job in health and education. We need to do a strong job on those social services that are fundamental to New Zealanders’ lives and lifestyles.

‘‘I think that said though, philosophically, if you’re able to when you can, you should. Because I do believe, whether you’re a taxi driver or a bus driver, a chippie, a university professor - it is your money, you’ve worked hard for it.’’

It’s a slight shift on predecessor Bill English’s position, that while social services spending was essential, the best way to lift families up was to raise their incomes.

English campaigned on tax cuts and while in government legislated for them as one of the party’s final acts, before Labour took office and reversed them.

But yesterday, Bridges would not be drawn on what economic policy changes, if any, his National Party would be adopting.

‘‘I don’t think I can say right now anything in terms of what we might do because we’ve got twoand-a-half years to run and it actually depends a lot on how the economy is managed and how things go in that regard.’’

With a front bench reshuffle on the horizon, Bridges would not comment on prospective portfolio allocations other than to say he would not be taking on finance.