Starmer has not lied about Mandelson appointment, Environment Secretary says
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds has insisted that the Prime Minister has not lied over the appointment of Peter Mandelson and has not misled Parliament.
On the prospect of a Commons sleaze inquiry into the Prime Minister, she told GB News: “It’s up to the Speaker whether he allows such a vote. But I will say this, I do think that the Conservatives and other opposition parties are playing silly political games.
“As a government, we have presented all the documents necessary to comply with the humble address. That process is ongoing. It has been categorically proven that the Prime Minister has not lied to Parliament.
“Due process was followed, but the process is fundamentally flawed, which is why we’re urgently reviewing it, and why we have suspended the right of permanent secretaries like Sir Olly Robbins to go against the advice of UK Security Vetting, which is what happened, and he didn’t tell the Prime Minister about it, despite the fact he was asked quite a number of times about that process.
“It was right that the Prime Minister sacked Sir Olly Robbins and I think it was categorically proven last week that the Prime Minister has not lied or misled Parliament.”
Asked if she would prefer Andy Burnham or Angela Rayner as the next prime minister, Reynolds said: “I would rather retain our current prime minister.
“He won a clear mandate from the British people in July 2024, not even two years ago, to change this country for the better, to improve public services, to help people with the cost of living.
“I do get quite tired, frankly, of this constant leadership speculation. We are in the process of going to the country in the local elections and in important elections in Scotland and Wales.
“I want to be talking to people, which is what I do, week in, week out, on the doorstep, about what this government has done to help improve their lives, and what Labour councils are doing to improve their high street and their local services.”
