Inequality minister needed - Meacher

THE gap between the rich and poor is growing at such a rate a dedicated government minister must be appointed, Oldham MP Michael Meacher claims.

Such a minister would have a brief to tackle inequality in all its forms.

Mr Meacher said: “The gravy train rolls on, reaching ever more sickening heights of greed, selfish gratification and disregard for the ever-deeper poverty that disfigures our country.”

The Labour MP wants Ed Miliband to appoint a shadow inequalities minister and push forward with it if Labour wins the election in May.

Mr Meacher said the inequality gap had grown under the coalition government and average wages had fallen by 7 per cent since the financial crash but the richest 1,000 people had doubled their wealth.