Andrew Griffith to Promise Sweeping Deregulation and Tax Cuts in Tory Conference Speech

Conservative shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith is preparing to set out an ambitious economic vision at his party's annual conference in Birmingham, promising tax reductions, a radical scaling back of regulation, and measures aimed at lowering the cost of building homes. The speech, scheduled for the second day of the gathering, represents the party's latest attempt to define a distinct economic identity after its heavy defeat in the 2024 general election.

Griffith's proposals include scrapping several environmental and energy efficiency rules, abolishing two major public bodies, and overhauling the way developers contribute to local infrastructure. He will characterise the package as the "most ambitious deregulation project in a generation," according to advance briefings. The shadow chancellor is expected to argue that only the Conservatives can restore credibility to the UK's economic management, warning that "no-one else is coming to save our economy."

The centrepiece of the plan involves eliminating what the party describes as burdensome environmental standards for new homes, including the future homes standard, which sets energy efficiency requirements for newbuild properties. Conservatives believe that removing these rules could reduce the cost of delivering a new house by as much as £50,000, savings they expect would ultimately be passed on to buyers. This focus on housing supply reflects longstanding concerns about affordability and sluggish construction rates across the country.

In addition to regulatory changes, Griffith will propose replacing the existing system of developer contributions with a single consolidated levy. Currently, builders navigate a patchwork of section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy, both designed to fund local projects and services when planning permission is granted. The Conservatives contend that merging these into one charge would accelerate development timelines and ensure that money raised is spent more effectively for the benefit of residents.

The package also targets two public bodies that the party has frequently criticised. Natural England, which advises on environmental protection, and the Environment Agency, responsible for flood prevention and water quality, would both be abolished under the proposals. Their functions would be transferred to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Conservatives argue that these organisations have slowed housebuilding and impeded flood defence work through excessive bureaucracy.

Another significant element is the scrapping of the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, which obliges manufacturers to cover the costs of collecting, recycling, and disposing of the packaging they create. The party claims this would lift a financial burden from businesses and, as a consequence, help bring down the cost of the weekly grocery shop. The proposal fits into a broader narrative about reducing costs for both companies and consumers.

On infrastructure, Griffith is expected to commit a future Conservative government to doing "whatever it takes to end the delays and boost capacity by backing the third runway" at Heathrow Airport. Expansion plans were abandoned by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition in 2010, and the project has remained politically contentious ever since. Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves had championed the runway as an economic stimulus after Labour took office, though Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to endorse it, describing the matter as principally one for London and Londoners.

Griffith will also use his speech to attack the government's economic approach, accusing Burnham of pursuing a "socialist fever dream of the 1970s." He is set to contrast this with Conservative promises of "cheaper homes, lower taxes, and less red tape." The rhetoric signals a continued effort to draw sharp dividing lines with Labour as the next general election approaches.

The speech follows the publication of a 100-page document by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, which laid out her guiding principles and outlined how the party would govern if returned to power. Since the 2024 election defeat, the Tories have sought to rebuild public trust while facing persistent criticism over their record in government between 2010 and 2024, particularly on economic matters.

Chancellor John Healey said last week that all government commitments would be "built on the rock of fiscal discipline," with the Budget on 28 October intended to give families and businesses "a bit of breathing space." This sets the stage for a broader argument over fiscal credibility, an area where the Conservatives believe they can gain ground.

The proposals have already drawn criticism from rival parties. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper described the Conservatives as having "cemented their position as a pointless anti-growth anti-business party" by rejecting closer ties with Europe. She dismissed their economic pledges as "fantasy-land" commitments that no one could take seriously.

Reform UK economy spokesman Robert Jenrick accused the Conservatives of "once again copying our policies," arguing that the Tories could not match his party's promise to raise the tax-free personal allowance to £15,000. The exchange highlights the intensifying competition on the right of British politics, with both parties vying to claim the mantle of low-tax, low-regulation reform.

During Monday's conference proceedings, other Conservative shadow ministers are expected to continue making the party's case and flesh out further details of the policy platform. The conference serves as a critical opportunity for the party to present a coherent alternative to the government and to demonstrate that it has learned lessons from its recent electoral setbacks.

The overall economic strategy hinges on the argument that deregulation and tax reduction will stimulate growth, reduce living costs, and accelerate housebuilding. Whether voters find these promises credible will depend heavily on how convincingly Griffith and his colleagues can address questions about fiscal responsibility, public services, and environmental protections. For now, the shadow chancellor is betting that a bold, deregulatory message will resonate with a public frustrated by high costs and slow economic progress.