Boris Johnson calls for unhealthy food tax review

Conservative leadership favourite Boris Johnson has called for a review of the sugar tax and other health related levies.

During a campaign visit, the MP said such taxes were disproportionately paid by the poorest in society, adding that obesity needed to be tackled in "a way that is evidence based".

He said: "If we want people to lose weight and live healthier lifestyles, we should encourage people to walk, cycle and generally do more exercise."

His comments appeared to clash with plans announced by health secretary and Johnson supporter Matt Hancock to extend the sugar tax, which came into force in April 2018, to cover milkshakes.

Steve Brine MP, who was Public Health Minister when the tax was introduced, responded on Twitter: "The sugar tax is an evidenced based success story which has taken some 45m kg of sugar out of soft drinks. It's also generated £145m for the School Sports Premium."

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