So, comrades let’s talk about YOUR tax deals

Self-styled Man of the People John Mcdonnell relished his visit to the World economic forum in davos last week, where he rebuked leaders of global businesses.

He said they are held in contempt by ordinary voters who have struggled through a decade of austerity.

the shadow chancellor spoke of ‘anger building out there’, adding: ‘Many people have worked their way out of the slump, working hard and long hours for less pay, and paid their taxes then they look and see the super rich and corporations are avoiding their taxes on an industrial scale.’

But no mention, though, of the tax affairs of labour’s comrades in the trades unions — such as Unite which has given more than £12million to the labour Party since Jeremy Corbyn became leader. like many of the capitalist barons that they abhor, trades unions have been adept at minimising their tax bills.

Unite’s accounts for the year ending december 2016 showed that despite having a share portfolio of more than £50million, which regularly reports a healthy profit, it paid no corporation tax.

for years, Unite has used a loophole that allows it to offset large sums against costs — such as sick pay, accident compensation and employment tribunal costs.

Mcdonnell told his embarrassingly small audience in davos that major auditing companies should have the equivalent of a doctor’s Hippocratic oath so they don’t encourage firms to avoid tax.

A dose of such medicine might prove handy for len McCluskey and his fellow brothers and sisters in Unite.