The Chancellor has hinted he may look at ending inheritance tax (Image: Getty )

       Jeremy Hunt has given his strongest hint yet the controversial inheritance tax could be set for the scrapheap as the war between the Conservatives and Labour for votes at this year's election heats up.

       The Chancellor, whose words come as a national insurance cut from 12 percent to 10 percent kicks in today, is under pressure from Tory MPs to ease the tax burden on the electorate which is the highest its been since the Second War War.

       There is speculation that further tax cuts could be announced in the spring budget on March 6, as Rishi Sunak's party prepares to fight Labour at the ballot box.

       March could be Mr Hunt's last chance to introduce major tax and spending changes before the General Election and speaking about inheritance tax the Chancellor branded the levy "pernicious" because it harms the reason many people invest, for their children.

       Speaking at an event in Crawley this week Mr Hunt hinted taxes could be scrapped, adding: "If we can afford to go further and it's responsible to do so, we will."

       READ MORE... Rishi Sunak 'had doubts' over Rwanda plan according to leaked documents

       Stay up-to-date with the latest Politics news Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

       Tax is seen as one of the key battlegrounds for the election this year (Image: Getty )

       The main rate of national insurance fell today by two percentage points, from 12 percent to 10 percent. The move was announced in last year's autumn statement.

       Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said the pre-election cut means families with two earners are nearly ￡1,000 better off. Ministers have previously said cutting the main rate for employees is a tax cut worth ￡450 for the average employee on ￡35,400 in 2024/25.

       Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has said he wants to keep cutting people's taxes if possible, said it was done because of the "tough decisions" taken by the Government.

       In more good news it's reported Government borrowing is down billions of pounds - meaning the Chancellor could afford to cut more taxes as the amount of spending paying off the national debt falls.

       Don't miss...

       Prince Philip 'trained servers to refill his beer' the moment Queen turned back [REVEAL ]

       Rachel Reeves blasted for saying she struggles to live on her ￡86k a year salary [REPORT ]

       Beautiful little Greek island as beautiful as Santorini minus the crowds [SPOTLIGHT ]

       Become an Express Premium member Support fearless journalism Read The Daily Express online, advert free Get super-fast page loading

       Start 30-day

       FREE trial

       Mr Hunt was speaking at Openreach broadband facility in Crawley, West Sussex (Image: PA)

       Trending

       Speaking about the cut in national insurance, the Chancellor said: "Today's cut in national insurance by 2 percent means that a typical family with two earners will be nearly a thousand pounds better off this year.

       "That is really important in a cost-of-living crisis where people have been feeling real pressure on family budgets, but also it rewards work, it'll bring more people into the labour force and that is good for growing the economy."

       He added: "It's the start of a process, as Chancellor if I can afford to go further I will, I don't yet know if I can."

       Related articles ‘I’m a heating expert and these seven simple changes could save you over ￡500' Top tips to make ‘staggering’ savings on holidays - including flights for fiver Drivers could save money on fuel by pressing one common button in their cars Seven ‘essential’ tips to build your wealth as an investor in 2024 Meghan Markle branded 'most difficult woman' as Duchess 'want billions'