Unpacking Rachel Reeves’s Expenses: The Labour Party’s Reaction

Reuters reported that BBC News had uncovered discrepancies in Rachel Reeves’ online CV and ongoing scrutiny regarding her use of expenses while working at Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS). In response to these revelations, Labour colleagues have rallied behind the Chancellor. Sir Keir Starmer expressed confidence that Reeves addressed any issues arising from questions about her CV, whereas Health Secretary Wes Streeting asserted she was executing a “brilliant and challenging job” on BBC Newsnight.

However, some within Labour Party questioned the accuracy of our reporting regarding the expenses investigation, with one cabinet minister outright calling it incorrect. In this piece, we examine key responses from Labour party members along with evidence supporting our journalism.

We revealed that an internal whistleblowing complaint was submitted against Reeves during her tenure at HBOS between 2006 and 2009. The complaint included a detailed six-page report accompanied by numerous pages of supporting documents such as emails, receipts, and memos. It accused Reeves, along with two other managers (one being her boss), of using the bank’s money for lavish spending on events, taxis, gifts, even among themselves.

Despite internal investigations concluding that wrongdoing was substantiated against Reeves and colleagues, we have not been able to ascertain what ultimately happened or if HBOS reached a formal conclusion regarding these allegations. This leaves room for further inquiry into the matter.

In defending Reeves, her team claims she had no knowledge of an investigation involving her expenses nor were there any issues with them while at the bank. They argue that all her expenses were signed off correctly in accordance with regulations. However, colleagues have criticized BBC News’ reporting on these stories and referenced a statement made by Jane Wayper – a former HR manager who was given permission to speak after contacting Reeves’ team.

Wayper stated she would be informed of any conclusion leading to disciplinary action regarding expenses since her role involved organizing such processes. It’s important to note that our article did not include information about the investigation reaching a formal conclusion or resulting in discipline for Reeves and her colleagues. Misrepresentations made by Labour MPs Peter Kyle, Siobhain McDonagh, among others have contributed to the controversy.

In response to queries directly regarding the expenses claims on Friday, Reeves stated that no concerns were ever raised about her spending while employed at Halifax Bank of Scotland. She maintained that her expenses had been appropriately signed off and assured us there were “no issues” throughout her time there. It’s worth noting that she left the bank in May 2009 alongside her manager; the third senior manager was on sick leave during this period and did not return to work.

The BBC has also addressed discrepancies found in Reeves’ LinkedIn CV. She admitted errors regarding the duration of her employment at the Bank of England, having claimed a decade-long stint when running for Chancellor of the Exchequer but stating she only worked there from September 2000 to December 2006 (with a year studying at LSE). Our investigation confirmed Reeves left in March 2006, making her actual employment period approximately five and a half years. Her LinkedIn profile has since been updated following confirmation of these corrections by the Chancellor’s team.