Michael Gove took a swipe at Angela Rayner over the police investigation into her former living arrangements in the Commons today.
The Communities Secretary poked fun at the Labour deputy leader during an exchange about metro mayors ahead of next week’s local elections.
Making her first appearance at the despatch box since police launched their probe, Ms Rayner raised questions about spending in the Tees Valley by Conservative Ben Houchen.
Speaking at Communities Questions, she said: “The review into Lord Houchen’s handling of Teesworks found, and I quote, the principles of spending public money are not being consistently observed.
“So why won’t the Secretary of State give the National Audit Office the chance to investigate?”
Mr Gove replied: “Well I’m sure the honourable lady is very keen that all sorts of matters are investigated properly by independent figures who can be trusted.”
He added: “But in the Tees Valley Ben Houchen has done more than any other metro mayor to bring jobs and investment into his region.
“The thousands of jobs created in Teesworks stands in stark contrast to Labour’s failure from London to Liverpool to bring in the jobs required.”
The Cabinet minister’s remarks prompted laughter from the Conservative benches.
It comes as police are investigating Ms Rayner over allegations about her living situation a decade ago.
The Labour firebrand is facing questions over whether she should have paid capital gains tax on the 2015 sale of her ex-council house and claims she may have broken electoral law by giving false information about where she lives.
She has insisted she lived separately from her then-husband for five years after they married in 2010, but neighbours have disputed her claims.
Greater Manchester Police initially said it would not be investigating the allegations but reassessed information and launched a probe following a complaint by Tory deputy chairman James Daly.
The Ashton-under-Lyne MP, who denies any wrongdoing, has promised to resign if she is found to have committed a crime over the accusations.
