Sunak reappoints controversial Trade Minister he sacked last month
EMBARGO: Immediate Release
The Liberal Democrats have demanded that reappointed Trade Minister Dominic Johnson urgently publishes his Register of Interests, warning that he has a duty to be “open, transparent and accountable” and avoid a conflict of interests.
Rishi Sunak has confirmed the reappointment of Lord Johnson as Minister for International Trade, despite having sacked him last month.
Lord Johnson’s Register of Interests was not updated during his time as a minister or since he was appointed to the House of Lords by Liz Truss.
In response to a Liberal Democrat question in the Chamber last month, Lord Johnson claimed he expected to have them updated by the end of October, but as of today they’ve still not been updated.
Responding to the reappointment of Lord Johnson, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for International Trade in the Lords, Lord Purvis said:
"Clearly this is a matter of public concern and interest.
"Every Minister has a duty to the people of this country to be open, transparent and accountable - Lord Johnson has failed in this regard yet again.”
"Trust in politicians is already at an all time low. Every incoming Minister with the new Prime Minister must be clear that they have no conflicts of interest, before they represent the country abroad or in the Houses of Parliament."
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
1. Lord Johnson's current Register of Interests
3. Proof of Lord Johnson's trip to India without a declared Register of Interests
