Business secretary says he did not misrepresent legal career amid calls for investigation
GuardianFEB 23
UK: Reform to Sue Business Secretary Over Solicitor Claims
Above: Reform UK leader Nigel Farage takes to the stage at the Reform UK Cornwall Conference at Carn Brae Leisure Centre on Feb. 24, 2025 in Redruth, England. Image copyright: Hugh Hastings/Getty Images via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
These accusations amount to political attacks intended to distract from government business, as the reference to being a solicitor was merely shorthand used in non-legal contexts and any misunderstanding was unintentional, with corrections made as soon as the issue was raised. Reynolds will be judged by his actions as Business Secretary, and the notion he might face legal action over an honest mistake is laughable.
Establishment-critical narrative
Reynolds has never had a real job, and deliberately misled the public by falsely claiming to be a qualified solicitor, which constitutes a criminal offense that demands legal consequences through private prosecution. While Labour may wish to adhere to two-tier policing, the Business Secretary should be held accountable against the law like any other British citizen.