Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing calls to reconsider her participation as guest of honour at a private reception hosted by Michael Dugher, the chair of the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC), during the Labour party conference in Liverpool. This event, organized by Brunswick, occurs while the Treasury is reviewing taxes on the £12 billion gambling sector.
The reception is intended for business leaders, and Dugher, a former Labour MP, has recently been vocal about opposing potential tax increases on gambling companies, aimed at supporting public finances. His initiatives to influence Treasury discussions have sparked concerns among some MPs and campaigners regarding the appropriateness of Reeves attending, given the current discussions surrounding gambling taxation.
Critics have noted the timing of the event, especially as it coincides with Reeves’ upcoming budget announcement, where new taxes on online gambling could be considered. Iain Duncan Smith, a former Conservative leader, questioned Reeves’ judgment, highlighting her previous acceptance of hospitality and donations from the gambling sector, which has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Daisy Cooper, MP and Treasury spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, urged Reeves to focus on raising revenue from online gambling, suggesting that participation in the event could lead to scrutiny over her decisions in the upcoming budget.
Brunswick stated that Dugher’s role in the gambling industry is entirely separate from his work with the public relations firm. The company emphasized that the reception provides an opportunity for business leaders to engage with various ministers and MPs.
The relationship between Dugher and Reeves dates back to their teenage years, and they have maintained personal and political ties. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how Reeves will navigate the potential implications of this event for her role and the Treasury’s decisions regarding gambling taxes.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/sep/20/rachel-reeves-due-to-speak-at-gambling-lobbyists-event-amid-12bn-tax-review