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John McDonnell challenges George Osborne to publish his tax return

Today is deadline day for all self-assessment tax returns, with those who fail to submit their return in line for a late-fee penalty. Happily John McDonnell looks set to escape this fate — he tweeted a picture of his tax return this morning. What’s more, the shadow chancellor of the exchequer is challenging George Osborne to do the same:

Given that MPs were on a salary of £67,060 for the tax year ending April 2015, the £61,575 declared may be a reduced figure in light of pension contributions. However, what’s more curious is that McDonnell hasn’t actually published his final calculation. Mr S suspects that in the interest of transparency, McDonnell should publish the whole return — after all he wouldn’t want to stand accused of not being open…

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Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

This article originally appeared in the UK edition

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