Prime Minister makes apparent slip of the tongue on major policy ahead of Conservative manifesto launch.

Boris Johnson has said the Conservatives will “cut national insurance to £12,000” in an apparent slip of the tongue.

The prime minister made the comments on a visit to Teeside this afternoon when asked if he will cut taxes. He premised his pledge by drawing attention to “what I’ve said in the last few days”. However, this is the first time the Conservatives have mentioned a potential cut to national insurance.

The earnings threshold before employed workers pay national insurance (class 1) is currently £8,632. For those self employed (class 2 and 4) the threshold is currently £6,365.

The Conservatives are expected to launch their manifesto on Sunday.