No need for City Minister to recuse herself following past pressure, says number 10

There is no need for new City Minister Emma Reynolds to recuse herself from her role because of her past as a lobbyist, Downing Street has said.

Wycombe MP Ms Reynolds has succeeded Tulip Siddiq, who resigned over allegations linked to her aunt’s political movement in Bangladesh, as Treasury minister.

Questions have been raised over whether Ms Reynolds would recuse herself from matters involving China in her role as City minister after reportedly lobbying on behalf of Chinese companies in a previous job.

She was chief executive of commercial lobbying firm TheCityUK until May.

“The necessary discussions have now taken place with the minister, in consultation with the permanent secretary, and it has been determined that no recusal or change in her portfolio is necessary,” the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said .

“A former job is not a permanent financial interest.

“The minister confirmed that she had renounced her previous functions by becoming an MP and entering the government.

“More broadly, in accordance with the ministerial code, all relevant interests have been duly declared and managed appropriately. »

While working at TheCityUK, Ms. Reynolds took part in a campaign to persuade the government of the day not to impose tougher rules on those doing business with China, Bloomberg reported.

When MPs become ministers, they must provide the most senior official in their ministry with a full written declaration of private interests that could give rise to a real or perceived conflict of interest.

Ms Reynolds’ appointment has also raised questions about the wider issue of ex-ministers taking on lobbying roles and vice versa.

As leader of the opposition, Sir Keir Starmer promised there would be “no more revolving doors between the government and the businesses it regulates” under Labor.

On number 10, which said the Prime Minister could be seen by the public as doing the same thing as the previous government – for which they criticized him – the spokesperson said Sir Keir had “taken steps to follow through on its commitment to respect and improve standards.” for public life.

Former ministers are not allowed to lobby the government for two years after leaving office.

Asked if Sir Keir had considered introducing a rule that would go the other way and introduce a minimum waiting period for former lobbyists before becoming ministers, No 10 pointed to the existing process.

“We do not intend to strengthen these measures beyond what we have already introduced to strengthen the ministerial code,” the spokesperson said.