BOLTON south east MP Yasmin Qureshi has challenged the Prime Minister over why he has not set out plans to increase the minimum wage before the general election.

Speaking in Parliament, Ms Qureshi said: “The Prime Minister is aware that there is an enormous gap between the rich and the poor.

“I am not making a party political point, but in my constituency many people are on the minimum wage and it is not enough to make ends meet.”

PM David Cameron said he would like to see a £7 minimum wage, but said it was more important to cut taxes for the lowest earners.

He added: “The income tax bill of someone working 40 hours a week on the minimum wage is down by two-thirds — that is what has happened under this government.”