David Lammy faces accusations of arrogance amid prisoner release scandal
David Lammy has been accused of demanding that officials address him as “Deputy PM,” an action that has sparked accusations of “astonishing arrogance,” reports BritPanorama.
Senior Whitehall insiders have described his behaviour as “haughty and entitled,” suggesting that he lacks the common touch exhibited by his predecessors. This criticism comes at a particularly sensitive time for Lammy, who serves as both Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary.
Following a significant misstep regarding the release of foreign prisoners during last week’s Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), calls for Lammy to apologise have intensified. He faced multiple inquiries about the accidental release of another foreign criminal but refrained from providing a clear response. Just minutes after denying knowledge, news emerged that Algerian sex offender Brahim Kaddour-Cherif was at large.
The scandal has drawn sharp rebukes from government sources, with one remarking, “David Lammy has been handed everything to him on a plate – and now he is being found out. He is demanding all his staff call him DPM [Deputy Prime Minister]. It is astonishing arrogance.” The deputy PM will return to the House of Commons on Tuesday, pressured by senior party officials to address the controversy.
Lammy’s handling of the situation has garnered widespread attention, especially on Remembrance Day, as he faced further criticism for not wearing a poppy during his appearance in the House. In his defence, he claimed this was due to his choice of a new suit.
His appointment as Deputy PM came during a reshuffle in September, taking over from Angela Rayner, who resigned after controversies surrounding unpaid taxes. The role of Deputy PM is not always filled, depending on the discretion of the Prime Minister. Former Deputy PM Oliver Dowden is noted for rarely insisting on the title, preferring to be addressed by his first name instead.
A government source defended Lammy, asserting that he has not demanded that title, stating, “This is just a mischievous briefing. Officials have called the Deputy PM by his title since day one, just as they did for Angela Rayner.”
The growing criticism of Lammy not only raises questions about his leadership style but also highlights the scrutiny facing the current government amid continuing challenges regarding law and order.
This situation underscores the ongoing trials faced by the government in managing public safety and maintaining accountability, demonstrating that the intersection of authority and public service remains a contentious topic in UK politics.
