UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds may be fined and barred from legal practice over accusations of misrepresenting his qualifications in his CV.
Legal experts claim the Business Secretary could face heavy fines for allegedly misrepresenting credentials on his CV.
Has the business secretary violated the solicitors act?
The Solicitors Regulation Agency is investigating the cabinet minister amid allegations that he fabricated his professional background. The watchdog works to protect the public from unqualified legal practitioners.
Mr Reynolds had repeatedly claimed in the past that he worked as a solicitor before becoming an MP, despite never holding the officially recognized title.
Last month, after receiving a warning from the SRA, he was forced to revise his online CV, removing a claim that he had worked as a solicitor. The regulator has now launched a new inquiry into his conduct.
What did legal experts say about the Business Secretary’s alleged breach?
As reported by The Telegraph, two legal experts, including a barrister representing the SRA in tribunal hearings, said Mr. Reynolds has violated the Solicitors Act 1974.
A leading London barrister has stated that Jonathan Reynolds faces the possibility of a severe financial penalty and a permanent ban from practicing law if found guilty of exaggerating his legal experience.
Andrew Dinsmore, a barrister at Twenty Essex, a London- and Singapore-based commercial chambers, stated that it was “beyond question” that the Business Secretary had “fabricated that he was a solicitor.”
He said that this could lead to a “substantial fine,” likely in the “thousands of pounds,” along with the possibility of being permanently barred from practicing law.
The former Conservative parliamentary candidate, Mr. Dinsmore, stated,
“My colleagues, who are solicitors that have worked incredibly hard to qualify, are an integral part of our world-class legal sector.”
He said,
“Mr Reynolds’ behaviour and his disregard for the law undermines confidence in the UK’s legal profession.”
A second barrister, who requested anonymity, serves as a representative of the SRA at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and confirmed that the body handles cases involving alleged misconduct.
They argued it would be “difficult” for Mr. Reynolds to deny that he had not deliberately made “false claims” regarding his professional background.
They stated,
“Mr Reynolds does appear to have committed repeated breaches of s.21 of the Solicitors Act 1974 by falsely claiming to be a solicitor,”
adding,
“It seems to me that it would be difficult for Mr Reynolds to claim that he has not made his false claims wilfully. He must know that he is not a qualified solicitor. He has been warned before about claiming that he is.”
The SRA barrister said,
“It is unlikely to be enough for him to say that when he referred to himself as a solicitor, he meant that he was a trainee solicitor or that he worked at a law firm. He should be well aware of the distinction and not claim to be a solicitor when he is not on the roll.”
Under the Solicitors Act 1974, it is a criminal offense for any unqualified individual to present themselves or use a name or description that falsely implies they have the authority to practice as a solicitor. Anyone found violating the Act could face a fine of up to £2,500, under Sentencing Council regulations.
What did Robert Jenrick say about Reynolds’ misrepresentation?
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick warned that failing to take legal action against Mr. Reynolds could set a precedent of “one rule for Cabinet ministers and another for everyone else.”
He urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to “take a firm stance” and remove Mr. Reynolds from his position.
Mr Jenrick added,
“If the SRA fails to prosecute it would create one rule for Cabinet ministers and another for everyone else. Parliament explicitly gave them a duty to prosecute cases like this.”
What did Jonathan Reynolds claim about his legal career?
Before becoming a member of the Parliament, Mr. Reynolds claimed on his old constituency website that he was employed as a solicitor at Addleshaw Goddard’s Manchester office.
During a speech at the House of Commons on the transport bill in 2014, he stated he had “worked as a solicitor in Manchester city centre.” His LinkedIn account had also described him as both a “trainee solicitor” and a “solicitor” at the same time. The profile has now been revamped.