Sir Keir Starmer faces more controversy as his new City minister is accused of conflict of interest over China lobbying
SIR Keir Starmer faces controversy as his new City minister is accused of a conflict of interest over past China lobbying.
Downing Street yesterday refused to say if Emma Reynolds will have a say on China policy – despite her past as a lobbyist pushing for softer rules on Beijing cash.
The Tories have piled on pressure, calling out the PM for failing to crack down on the “revolving door” of lobbyists moving between government and big business.
Ms Reynolds was handed the powerful Treasury role after Tulip Siddiq quit over a corruption probe linked to her family in Bangladesh.
She was previously a bigwig at TheCityUK, a banking lobby group that fought against tougher checks on Chinese businesses.
The MP for Wycombe even pushed for China to avoid being placed under strict “enhanced tier” scrutiny, arguing it could harm investment, according to Bloomberg.
No10 insisted she “brings a wealth of experience” but repeatedly refused to say if she would be blocked from China-related decisions.
The row comes as Labour tries to build closer financial ties with China to boost the economy.
Shadow Treasury Minister Nigel Huddleston last night wrote to Treasury bosses demanding clarity, saying it is “essential” Ms Reynolds recuse herself from China-related decisions.
He wrote: “The Prime Minister has said that he wants to end what he describes as ‘the revolving door between government and the companies they regulate’.
“This appointment, then, is surprising but given this commitment I am sure that you will agree with the need for clear information on my above questions.”
Former Tory leader and China hawk Sir Iain Duncan Smith also told The Sun: “China will be rubbing their hands.
“If she is not recused from this, this looks very much like the latest stage of project kowtow.”