Cabinet minister Ken Clarke has accepted the Government will introduce a tax break for married couples, after suggesting the change may be delayed.
In an interview for The Daily Telegraph, the former Justice Secretary questioned whether the Conservative Party had ever promised the move.
But in their 2010 manifesto, the Tories pledged a transferable tax allowance possibly worth £150 a year to married couples, when one spouse stays at home.
Promised
They promised the change would be introduced by 2015.
Mr Clarke said: “We never committed ourselves to married couples’ tax by the end of parliament, did we?”
He added: “I’m married, I’m not counting on it. I don’t remember anyone promising that kind of thing.”
Opinion
But later, comments released on Mr Clarke’s behalf confirmed he had been expressing opinion not policy, and that he “completely accepts” the tax break will be introduced.
The Conservative manifesto stated: “We will recognise marriage and civil partnerships in the tax system in the next parliament.”
Recently, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has said next year’s budget should bring in the tax relief to show the Coalition is pro-marriage.
This comes amid concerns the plans will be dropped altogether if they are not brought in soon.