He stated he would firmly reject complaints from MPs regarding members of his whips’ office who are related to figures in No. 10, such as Imogen Walker, whose husband is Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.
MPs have privately expressed concerns that they can no longer trust the whips’ office to protect them from No. 10. Reynolds responded, “I believe individuals should be judged based on their own merits and skills.
“Each person in the whips’ office has an impressive political career behind them.”
Reynolds, whose wife Claire has held senior roles in No. 10 and Labour, commented, “People are concerned about spousal connections, but my wife is a political professional herself, and I have experience with that. We should all be assessed on our own merits and skills.”
“I would encourage anyone to evaluate the credentials of my whips, as they are a remarkable team known for their capabilities, essential for advancing the government’s agenda.”
Reynolds, who has an autistic son receiving PIP and Universal Credit, criticized the government’s flawed welfare reforms, stating they weren’t implemented with public support. “That’s why changes were needed, crucial for the parliamentary party’s future.”
He noted, “I felt there wasn’t enough understanding of my family’s circumstances. I aim to protect the vulnerable, but public support is necessary, which won’t exist if the system isn’t managed properly.”
Asked about getting permission from No. 10 for an interview, Reynolds joked, “I just asked the chief whip. I decided to allow myself; after all, I can’t be reporting to anyone, can I?”
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