‘Patriotic millionaire’ Gary Lineker accused of ‘gross hypocrisy’ over five year battle against £4.9million tax bill – after urging Andy Burnham to make wealthy pay more
Gary Lineker has been accused of "gross hypocrisy" after it emerged he has spent five years contesting a £4.9 million tax bill, despite having publicly urged Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to make wealthy people pay more tax. The former footballer and broadcaster has cultivated an image as a self-styled "patriotic millionaire" supportive of higher taxes on the rich, making the revelation of his own protracted dispute with tax authorities a point of contention for critics who see a gap between his stated principles and his personal financial conduct.
The report centres on a five-year battle Lineker has fought against the substantial tax demand, though the article provides limited further detail on the specifics of the case or its current status. The criticism comes amid wider debate in Britain over taxation of wealth, including reports of possible new levies on inheritances, giving added prominence to the perceived contradiction between Lineker's public advocacy and his private tax affairs.
- Lineker accused of hypocrisy over £4.9m tax dispute
- He previously urged Andy Burnham to tax the wealthy more
- Tax battle reportedly ongoing for five years
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Critics can reasonably argue that calling for wealthier people to contribute more carries a responsibility to accept tax obligations robustly assessed under the law. A prolonged challenge to a multi-million-pound HMRC demand may appear inconsistent with that message, particularly if it is seen as an effort to reduce a personal liability while advocating higher contributions from others. Their concern is principally about public credibility and equal standards for prominent, affluent figures.
The case against
Lineker’s reported public support for higher taxation does not necessarily mean he must accept every HMRC assessment without challenge. Tax disputes can turn on complex questions of law, contractual arrangements and proper interpretation, and taxpayers are entitled to use legal processes to establish what they actually owe. On this view, advocating a fairer tax system while contesting a disputed bill is compatible with supporting compliance once the correct liability has been determined.