Why is Reeves accused of ‘lying' about achievements?

Among her challenges, chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has been accused of "lying" about her CV.

- SEAN O'GRADY

The basic facts of her rise to power are not in question; she is neither an imposter nor a fantasist, and the allegations from Tory circles of “incredibly serious” fraud look exaggerated at best.

However, some parts of her CV published on LinkedIn have been amended, apparently by her, and various remarks about her economic credentials may have overstated her experience and achievements. For a politician who makes much of her opponents’ duplicity, that’s not a good look. The hostile reaction to her Budget has inevitably put her under an unusually intense degree of scrutiny.

What’s the problem?

“Lying” – at least according to one lobby journalist who put that accusation, bluntly, to the prime minister’s spokesperson. Former Conservative Party chair Richard Holden (who seems not to realise the general election is over) has written to the chancellor, stating: “The allegations that your CV might not be accurate are incredibly serious and would raise significant concerns about your ability to be honest with the British public, concerns which your Budget has already raised.”

About what exactly?