Labour defended its decision to spend money on media training for ministers, pointing out that the previous Conservative government also spent large amounts on similar activities.
Rachel Reeves came under fire for approving over £18,000 in media training for four departments while increasing taxes and cutting Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners.
The Treasury spent £9,700 on media training for seven ministers, while the Scotland Office spent £5,416.25 for its two ministers. The Foreign Office spent £1,848 for junior ministers, and the Department of Health spent £840, including VAT. Thirteen other departments reported no spending on media training.
Conservative MP John Cooper criticized the spending, saying it seemed inappropriate when households are struggling with tight budgets. He accused Labour of hypocrisy, noting that Darren Jones, now Chief Secretary to the Treasury, had been critical of similar Conservative spending in the past.
A government spokesperson defended the expenses, calling media training for ministers a routine practice under all administrations. Labour also pointed out that the previous Conservative government had spent significant sums on media training, including a £110,000 contract for Rishi Sunak’s TV debate coach.
