Tories accused of 'silly political games' as Emma Reynolds leaps to Keir Starmer's defence

Georgia Pearce
Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:13:25 +0000

Emma Reynolds has mounted a robust defence of the Prime Minister, rejecting claims he deceived Parliament regarding Peter Mandelson's appointment.

Speaking to GB News, the Environment Secretary characterised opposition demands for a Commons sleaze investigation as "silly political games" being pursued by the Conservatives and other parties.

She maintained the Government had fulfilled its obligations under the humble address procedure, stating: "As a Government, we have presented all the documents necessary to comply with the humble address."

Ms Reynolds declared it had been "categorically proven" that the Prime Minister neither lied to nor misled Parliament, with the Speaker ultimately deciding whether any vote proceeds.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

The Cabinet minister confirmed the Prime Minister was justified in dismissing Sir Olly Robbins from his position.

Ms Reynolds explained that the former permanent secretary had overruled guidance from UK Security Vetting without keeping the Prime Minister informed of this decision.

"He didn't tell the Prime Minister about it, despite the fact he was asked quite a number of times about that process," she said.

While acknowledging that proper procedures were technically observed, Ms Reynolds conceded the system itself was "fundamentally flawed."

The Government has now removed the ability of permanent secretaries to contradict UK Security Vetting recommendations and is conducting an urgent review of the entire process.

When asked by host Christopher Hope to choose between Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner as a potential successor, Ms Reynolds made clear her preference lay elsewhere entirely.

"I would rather retain our current prime minister," she stated.

The Environment Secretary pointed to the mandate secured at the general election less than two years ago, noting the Prime Minister had won a decisive victory in July 2024.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Lindsay Hoyle to make crunch decision over claims on whether Keir Starmer misleading Parliament

Keir Starmer to make Labour MPs block sleaze probe as PM braces for crunch vote

Police to question No10 staff over Morgan McSweeney's missing phone

Ms Reynolds made clear: "I do get quite tired, frankly, of this constant leadership speculation."

She emphasised voters had backed him with a clear programme: enhancing public services and addressing cost of living pressures facing households across the country.

Ms Reynolds suggested the focus should remain on delivering these commitments rather than entertaining questions about alternative leadership.

With local elections approaching across England, alongside important contests in Scotland and Wales, she argued the timing was particularly unhelpful.

The Labour MP expressed clear frustration with ongoing speculation about the party's leadership, describing herself as "quite tired" of such discussions.

The Cabinet minister said her priority was engaging directly with voters about the Government's record.

She concluded: "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."