The health minister has called on the PM to increase taxes of wealthier citizens to help struggling middle-class families feeling the squeeze of the credit crunch.

Ivan Lewis, suggested an increased tax could be introduced at a rate of an extra 10p in the pound on earnings above £250,000 which would bring in an additional £3.5m a year, the Telegraph reported.

Earlier this year he also accused the government of ignoring 'ordinary people' and said that those with middle-class incomes ought not to bear the burden of the imminent downturn.

Lewis' outspoken views have surprised fellow Labourites, as some suggest it could also cost him his job in an upcoming reshuffle.

Further reading:

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