Oral Answers to Questions

Alan Strickland Excerpts

Tuesday 27th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Reeves]

I am not sure whether the hon. Gentleman thinks that the Chancellor of the Exchequer should not be in Davos, but I think it is important that the Chancellor is there banging the drum for Britain and bringing investment here. While I was in Davos, we secured new investment and worked with our allies on securing new trade deals for Britain. While the Opposition like to talk our country down, we are getting on and delivering a lower cost of living and higher economic growth.

[Alan Strickland (Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor) (Lab)]

T3.   A recent Sunday Times investigation found worrying evidence that multiple businesses run by the Reform leader of Durham county council had failed, owing hundreds of thousands of pounds in tax and national insurance and an unpaid covid loan. Does the Chancellor agree that it is just more evidence that, just like the Conservatives, Reform cannot be trusted with other people’s money?

[Rachel Reeves]

I thank my hon. Friend for bringing this matter to the House’s attention. I cannot comment on individual cases of covid fraud and tax, but that person would not be the first member of Reform who took a fraudulent covid loan—[Interruption.] The hon. Member for Boston and Skegness (Richard Tice) is here just in time. I am not sure whether he is still the shadow, shadow, shadow Chancellor or not.