In a speech on Sunday 20 April he ruled out a U-turn, saying it would be "irresponsible to unravel or rewrite" the Budget.

The Treasury has hinted at measures which would help low earners but which would not come into force for several months, the autumn Pre-Budget report being touted as the earliest time, as reported by the BBC.

The scrapping of the 10p tax rate is expected to affect the UK's lowest earners, including:

• Those earning under £18,000 a year and whom are ineligible for tax credits because they are under 25.
• Those who have retired early and whom are ineligible for higher personal allowances.
• Part-time workers working insufficient hours to qualify for tax credits.