Sunak’s net zero plans not backed by Tory homeowners

RISHI SUNAK faces a backlash from Tory homeowners over his net zero plans, with three-quarters opposing the bans on gas boilers and petrol cars.

Polling shows that the Prime Minister’s green policies are deeply unpopular with many voters who propelled the Conservatives to victory in 2019.

The findings spurred fresh calls from Tory MPS for him to scrap the controversial climate measures amid warnings they will heap extra cost on families.

A survey for the Better Homes Alliance also found that a large number of homeowners are reluctant to switch to heat pumps and electric cars. Only 33 per cent supported plans for a complete phase out of gas boilers, while 55 per cent opposed a deadline. About a third backed the proposed ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2035, while 56 per cent were against it.

The numbers were even more stark for Mr Sunak among Tory-voting homeowners. Of those who backed the Conservatives at the last election, 74 per cent opposed the gas boiler phase out and 71 per cent were against the petrol car ban.

Sir Jacob Rees-mogg, a former energy secretary, said: “No one votes to be cold and poor.

“The current headlong rush to net zero risks impoverishing the nation to no global benefit on emissions. It is time to pause all these regulations and rethink the whole approach.”

A spokesman for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: “We are adopting a fairer and more pragmatic approach to meeting net zero that eases the burdens on working people. We are giving families more time to make the transition.”