Keir Starmer’s investment minister is set to quit her position, it has been claimed, sparking major concern for wealth creators. In another setback for the PM’s economic goals, Baroness Poppy Gustafsson is reportedly on her way out after less than a year in post. Her appointment was surrounded by controversy, after Labour were accused of rushing through her elevation to the Lords.
Sky News claims a formal announcement is expected as soon as today, amid chaos surrounding the future of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Baroness Gustafsson was given the top government role after a successful career in business, founding the £4 billion British tech giant Darktrace.
She was tasked leading the Office for Investment “to ensure it is fit for purpose and has the capability it needs to make the UK the first choice for investment and the best place in the world to do business”.
Sir Keir waxed lyrical about her acceptance of the job, after reportedly being turned down by Peter Mandelson, saying he was “delighted” by her appointment.
He branded her an “accomplished entrepreneur who brings invaluable experience to the role”.
Responding to the reports she is now set to quit, Tory shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said: “This is zero surprise. Poppy has a decent claim for constructive dismissal given Labour’s attacks on wealth creators, higher taxes and exodus of international investors since day one.
“Selling this government to international investors would make writing Putins application for a noble peace prize look enticing.”
The government was approached for comment.
Sir Keir is reportedly planning a wider ministerial reshuffle, but delayed it by a week as he waited to find out whether he would need to appoint a new deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary.
Ms Rayner’s future in Cabinet appears on the verge of ending today, with the PM’s ethics adviser set to report on whether she broke the ministerial code by underpaying Stamp Duty on her second home.