Angela Rayner was dealt a humiliating blow live on air during a Sky News interview on Wednesday, when she was questioned about her earnings from speaking engagements.
The housing secretary told host Anna Jones she does not consider the income from speeches to be a second job, despite previously saying MPs should not have second jobs and should focus on their constituents.
Rayner defends speaking fees
According to the Register of MPs Interests, Rayner made £105,250 in speaking fees during her 10 months out of government, while still an MP. She also made £2,400 from hosting a radio show and £76,500 in an advance for writing a book.
Jones asked: "In opposition you said, 'MPs should not have second jobs and should focus on being an MP.' So is that hypocritical? Should you have focused on your constituents in that time?"
Rayner replied: "I was focusing on my constituents during that time, and you'll have seen from the members' interests, there was, I think around six engagements in 12 months for a couple of hours of speaking engagements. And that's all declared appropriately."
Viewers react to interview
She added: "I don't consider that to have been a second job," and that she is "incredibly honoured to be back in government".
Viewers blasted the minister. One fumed: "Earnings are earnings. If it's not a job, what is it? Did the money paid go on her tax return? Or was it cash in hand? Nonsense."
Another wrote: "It's always do as I say not as I do. Politicians who make statements before in power who then completely contradict themselves when in power should have huge consequences."
"If you are being paid for performing this task or any task. Then it's classed as a second income and a second job. You are at it lady," a third hit back.
Another quipped: "So it's only a job if you consider it to be a job, I'll have to remember that one."
Previous stance on second jobs
As deputy Labour leader, Rayner said MPs should be banned from having second jobs and described them as a "racket". As the housing minister she will be unable to make money from speeches now she is a minister again.
She reportedly gave seven speeches between February and June, including a £20,000 fee for a speech to an industry association for estate agents.
