Jonathan Reynolds ‘faces legal action’ if he repeats false CV claims

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has been cautioned that he could face legal action if he ever again falsely claims to have worked as a solicitor.

Although Mr. Reynolds stated last week that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) had cleared him of wrongdoing regarding misleading claims about his legal background, The Telegraph has revealed that the SRA actually warned him not to repeat those statements. The regulator made it clear that while it was not pursuing criminal charges now, it may reconsider if the conduct continues.

An SRA spokesperson said: “We have concluded our investigation. We do not consider it proportionate or in the public interest to bring criminal proceedings. However, we have advised that if the behaviour is repeated, we may well reconsider our position.”

The warning was reportedly issued in May. A source close to Mr. Reynolds welcomed the investigation’s conclusion and said he remains focused on his government role.

The investigation began in February following revelations that Mr. Reynolds had repeatedly claimed to have worked as a solicitor, despite never qualifying. He had not completed his training contract at Addleshaw Goddard, having left in 2010 to run for Parliament.

According to Section 21 of the Solicitors Act 1974, it is illegal for someone to falsely claim to be a solicitor if they are not officially registered. The SRA also warns that describing oneself as a solicitor, including on social media, can be considered a criminal offence.

Mr. Reynolds had made such claims on his website, in Parliament, and in a 2011 Twitter post. He also included the assertion in campaign materials for the 2015 general election. Initially, the SRA chose not to act after he edited his online CV to remove the reference, but a formal probe was launched when new information surfaced.

Despite being warned about this behavior a decade ago, Mr. Reynolds had previously dismissed concerns, accusing the complainant of overinterpreting his remarks.

Last week, during a briefing with journalists, Mr. Reynolds said the investigation had concluded and admitted being told to “be careful” with his wording in the future. He maintained that there was no intention to mislead.

Political pressure mounted when the claims first emerged, with figures like Robert Jenrick and Nigel Farage calling for Mr. Reynolds’ resignation. The Conservative Party also asked Sir Laurie Magnus, Labour’s ethics adviser, to examine whether Reynolds breached the ministerial code.

Mr. Reynolds has since apologized to the Prime Minister and clarified in Parliament that he was only ever a trainee solicitor.

Sources close to him criticized the SRA for allegedly informing the press before contacting Mr. Reynolds directly. They insist his public statements had consistently identified him as a trainee solicitor.