Starmer and Reeves should consider wealth tax, says former shadow chancellor

Anneliese Dodds urges government not to duck ‘big decisions’ in autumn budget

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The Treasury should consider a wealth tax to close the growing gap in the public finances, according to a Labour former shadow chancellor.

Anneliese Dodds, who held the role under Keir Starmer in opposition, said ministers must have a “full and frank discussion” with the public about the “really big decisions” they had to take at this autumn’s budget.

With Rachel Reeves aiming to fill a financial hole that economists say could exceed £20bn, the senior Labour MP said there was “no silver bullet” to funding big-ticket items such as defence but the chancellor should consider tax rises.