Rishi Sunak would run economy ‘like Margaret Thatcher’ and ‘cut taxes responsibly’

Former chancellor has set out his economic vision as detractors accuse his camp of ‘dirty tricks’

Conservative party leadership frontrunner Rishi Sunak has promised to run the economy like Margaret Thatcher if he suceeds Boris Johnson at No 10.

The former chancellor, who has clashed with other contenders for refusing to promise immediate tax cuts, has said his economic vision amounted to “common sense Thatcherism”.

Mr Sunak on Tuesday evening joined seven other contenders on the ballot paper as Tory MPs begin voting on Wednesday to elect a successor to the prime minister.