David Cameron has been criticised after saying on Wednesday he was "delighted" that a vote on tax credits passed.
Pressure has been building on the prime minister and chancellor to mitigate the effect of the tax-credit cuts on the lowest wage earners since a number of Conservative MPs publicly spoke out against the cuts.
But during Prime Minister's Questions, Cameron said that he was "delighted" that a vote on tax credits on Tuesday afternoon passed, drawing criticism from Labour as well as political commentators.
In his preceding question, Jeremy Corbyn referenced a speech given on Tuesday by Conservative MP Heidi Allen, who said that "for those of us proud enough to call ourselves compassionate Conservatives, it [reforms] must not be on the backs of the working families we purport to serve.”
Analysis by the Institute of Fiscal Studies warned that hundreds of thousands of families could lose thousands of pounds a year and commentators suggested that Cameron's comment that he was "delighted" would show that he lacked compassion for those set to face cuts.
Two things I reckon Cameron may regret there: 1. losing temper over steel & 2. Saying he was 'delighted' tax credit cuts went through
All in all, reinforces an impression of not caring about people going through tough times. Not exactly his finest hour.
Cameron was unwise to say he was delighted that the tax credit cut was passed by MPs on Tuesday night. No delight in losing £100 a month.
The prime minister argued that the cuts were "part of a package" that would see income tax go down and the minimum wage go up.
Jonathan Ashworth, a shadow cabinet minister, said: “David Cameron showed the true face of the Tory party at PMQs today when he talked about his ‘delight’ at tax-credit cuts. This Tory cut will mean over 3 million families losing on average £1,300 a year.
Labour MPs also mocked the prime minister when he said: "I don't want to make promises I can't keep."
During the election campaign, Cameron said that child tax credits "won't fall" during a Question Time special. However as part of the reforms to tax credits, child tax credits will be cut.