Dexters chairman Justin King says the chancellor’s stance on tax hikes was ‘misleading’ – London Wallet

Rachel Reeves is continuing to face calls from opposition MPs to resign as chancellor after being accused of misleading the public by presenting an unduly bleak picture of the nation’s finances to justify billions in tax rises, which critics say will fund higher welfare spending.

What began as routine Westminster criticism of a “chaotic” Budget has quickly intensified. Within days, the row has shifted to allegations of dishonesty, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch now openly urging Reeves to quit.

Dexters chairman Justin King has now added his voice to the debate, telling the media that the chancellor did mislead the public about the need for tax increases in last week’s Budget.

While King stopped short of calling for her resignation, he delivered a blunt assessment – and as a former chief executive of Sainsbury’s, his comments carry significant weight in the business community.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “This whole debate has had real world consequences. The choosing of the Budget date when it was, the very long run into that during a key trading period for hospitality and retail in this country, the briefing week after week after week, and yes I would agree the misleading position the misleading position the chancellor took.”

Badenoch demands chancellor’s resignation over her alleged misleadings