Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has come under fire after it was revealed that he previously claimed to be a solicitor despite never completing the necessary qualifications to practise law. The revelations have sparked accusations of CV embellishment, with critics calling for further scrutiny over his professional history.
Questions over legal credentials
Mr Reynolds, the Labour MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, reportedly stated on his personal website that he had worked as a solicitor in Manchester city centre for the law firm Addleshaw Goddard. However, reports indicate that while he was employed by the firm, he never actually completed his training contract, which is a legal requirement to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.
The Telegraph revealed that Mr Reynolds had also told the House of Commons in 2014 that he had “worked as a solicitor in Manchester city centre” before entering politics. However, records show that he left his training contract in 2010 to run for Parliament, meaning he never officially qualified.
Further scrutiny has been placed on his LinkedIn profile, which previously listed him as both a “solicitor” and a “trainee solicitor” between 2009 and 2010. The political blog Guido Fawkes published screenshots of the profile before the wording was allegedly amended to remove references to being a solicitor. Meanwhile, a webpage from Mr Reynolds’ personal site, which reportedly made similar claims, is no longer accessible.
Opposition accuses Reynolds of misrepresentation
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick was quick to seize on the revelations, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
“Reynolds was never a solicitor. Like the Chancellor, the Business Secretary fabricated his CV. Under Section 17 of the Legal Services Act 2007, pretending to be a solicitor is a criminal offence. He’s bang to rights. Over to you, Keir Starmer.”
The Legal Services Act 2007 makes it a criminal offence to falsely claim to be a solicitor, with potential legal consequences for those found guilty of misrepresentation. However, it remains unclear whether Mr Reynolds’ statements would meet the threshold for legal action.
Reynolds responds to the allegations
A spokesperson for Mr Reynolds has dismissed the claims, stating that any reference to him working as a solicitor was an unintentional error.
“Jonathan Reynolds has always sought to make clear that he was a trainee solicitor and did not qualify before pursuing a career in politics,” they said.
In an explanation on his current website, Mr Reynolds detailed his legal studies and employment history, saying:
“In 2007, I was finally able to enrol in law school, now as a mature student, and went on to achieve my Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC) at BPP Law School in Manchester.
“I was delighted to be offered a training contract to become a solicitor with Addleshaw Goddard LLP in Manchester. Addleshaw was a fantastic place to work.”
He went on to state that he resigned from his legal career in 2010 after being elected as an MP.
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Growing pressure on labour over CV accuracy
The revelations about Mr Reynolds follow similar controversies surrounding Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who recently faced scrutiny over inaccuracies in her own professional history. Ms Reeves, who previously claimed to have worked at the Bank of England for a longer period than records suggest, was forced to update her LinkedIn profile to correct discrepancies.
The Chancellor has also faced questions over her use of expenses in a previous job, further fuelling concerns about the accuracy of her public statements.
Critics argue that these incidents raise broader concerns about transparency and credibility within the Labour government. The Conservative Party has been quick to highlight these alleged inconsistencies, accusing Labour of misleading the public about their ministers’ qualifications and experience.
What next for Reynolds?
While Mr Reynolds has not faced any formal investigation, the accusations may put him under increasing pressure, especially given the recent focus on government transparency and accountability. With Labour positioning itself as a party of integrity, such allegations could prove damaging to the government’s image.
As the controversy unfolds, opposition MPs are likely to continue pressing for answers, and it remains to be seen whether further action will be taken against the Business Secretary.
