Griff Rhys Jones Could Quit UK Over Mansion Tax

Griff Rhys Jones has said he would consider leaving the UK if Labour win next year's General Election and introduce a mansion tax.

The comedian told The Daily Telegraph he would be hit hard by the levy as he lives in a "gigantic" house in central London.

Jones, 61, said the Fitzrovia property was a "slum" when he bought it 15 years ago but has since increased in value dramatically.

"It would mean I'd be paying the most colossal tax, which is aimed at foreigners who have apparently come in and bought up all the property in London," he said.

"That sounds about as fatuous an idea as that immigrants are stealing all the jobs.”

Labour leader Ed Miliband's plans involve a starting rate of £3,000 a year which could increase to £30,000 for homes worth over £3m.

"I'd probably live abroad because I could get some massive palace which I could restore," Jones told the newspaper.

However, he added that he realised there would be little sympathy for him from the public.

"I mustn't equate my own angst about the mansion tax with a national policy angst," he said.

"It's quite likely that the population is keen on seeing rich people squeal. So I'm not going to squeal to make them feel better."

Jones became famous for his work alongside the late Mel Smith in Alas Smith And Jones in the 1980s.

More recently he joined forces with Dara O'Briain and Rory McGrath for Three Men In A Boat.

Mr Miliband's mansion tax has been criticised by insurers who have said it would "punish" families who have saved hard for a home.

The Liberal Democrats are making similar plans but there has been concern that it could lead to a housing shortage and make it even harder for young people to get on the property ladder.