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New Investigation Into Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds Over Legal Career Claims
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has reopened its investigation into Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, following allegations that he misrepresented his qualifications as a solicitor. The scrutiny comes amid claims that Reynolds inaccurately listed his legal background on his professional profiles.
On Friday, the SRA confirmed that it would investigate allegations suggesting that Reynolds had wrongly asserted that he worked as a solicitor without completing the necessary legal training. This development follows a report by the website Guido Fawkes, which highlighted discrepancies in Reynolds’ claims regarding his qualifications.
Initially, the SRA contacted Reynolds in January after noticing inaccuracies in his LinkedIn profile. Following a correction of the information, the SRA decided to close the case, considering the matter resolved at that time. However, according to a recent statement from the regulator, new information has prompted a revisit of the case. “We looked at that issue at the time we became aware of it and contacted Mr. Reynolds about the profiles,” a spokesperson for the SRA stated. They acknowledged that the matter was closed based on the evidence available but noted that subsequent developments have led them to reassess the situation.
This renewed inquiry follows a demand for a fresh investigation by Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, who accused Reynolds of “criminal conduct” and called for his dismissal by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In response to the ongoing allegations, a Labour spokesperson expressed that Reynolds is eager to cooperate fully with the SRA and resolve the issue.
Reynolds previously began his training as a solicitor but did not complete the training contract, as he transitioned to a political career in 2010. The controversy has raised questions around his self-identification as a solicitor, a title he has used on various platforms, including past statements made in the Commons. Notably, in 2014, he indicated to MPs that he had “worked as a solicitor in Manchester city centre.”
There has been further clarification from Diana Johnson, a Home Office minister, suggesting that the inaccuracies on Reynolds’ LinkedIn profile were merely “mistakes made by administrative staff.” However, neither Labour representatives nor Reynolds himself have provided explanations for his previous assertions in Parliament regarding his legal status.
In a related context, Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, also faced scrutiny after needing to amend her LinkedIn profile. It inaccurately stated that she had been an economist at HBOS when she had in fact worked in retail banking, and misrepresented her tenure at the Bank of England.
The ongoing developments around Reynolds highlight broader discussions of transparency and accountability in public office, with heightened expectations for politicians regarding the veracity of their professional backgrounds.
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www.theguardian.com