Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds was unable to name any Cabinet members who have experience running a business during an interview on LBC. Asked by presenter Nick Ferrari how many people in the Cabinet have actually run businesses, Mr Reynolds said he had not confirmed the full line-up yet and could not give a specific figure.
When pressed further, he said he could talk about people who worked in the private sector but added: 'You get judged on what you do. And I've seen a lot of people, I've shadowed a lot of business secretaries and I know I can do this job. I know I can do a job for business and the country.'
Shadow Business Secretary criticises Labour
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith shared the interview clip on X, saying: 'Business Secretary can't name ONE person in the cabinet who has run a business! Labour prefer career politicians, trade unionists, and activists to entrepreneurs. How can business trust people who don't understand business?'
Mr Reynolds, who was Sir Keir Starmer's chief whip before being appointed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, appeared on LBC on Tuesday morning after being selected in the new-look Cabinet on Monday night. More than half of the outgoing PM's Cabinet was removed or demoted as Mr Burnham promised the biggest change to British politics in 40 years.
Mr Reynolds previously held the role of Business Secretary from July 2024 to September last year. Other high-profile moves include former defence secretary John Healey's appointment as Chancellor and Ed Miliband becoming Foreign Secretary.
