CABINET minister Nick Thomas-Symonds was accused of sending inappropriate texts to a senior woman working in Westminster. 

The Paymaster General was called in by the government’s ethics team and reminded of his responsibilities as a minister after the allegation surfaced.

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British Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds speaks to media outside broadcast studios in Westminster Credit: Story Picture Agency

The PM’s sleazebuster, Sir Laurie Magnus, found there was no grounds for a formal investigation and no official reprimand was given.

The revelations are another blow for Sir Keir Starmer, who quit as PM earlier this week to make way for Andy Burnham.

Mr Thomas-Symonds, 46, a married father-of-three,  is a senior minister who has been leading Britain’s post Brexit trade talks with the EU.

The Jattvibe on Jattvibeday has learnt that in March this year, the Cabinet Office was alerted to claims he sent inappropriate text messages to a woman. 

The Proprietary and Ethics Team (PET) examined the messages and shared them with Sir Keir’s Independent Adviser.

Sir Laurie concluded there were no grounds for an investigation.

But he said a conversation with Mr Thomas-Symonds about the concerns reported to the Proprietary and Ethics Team was appropriate.

The Paymaster General was reminded of his responsibilities as a minister during the conversation.

Sir Keir was made aware of the facts and accepted Sir Laurie’s recommendation.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: “The Propriety and Ethics Team looked into an exchange of messages with a single individual. 

“No evidence of improper behaviour was found and no further action was taken.”

Britain’s outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer has quit No10 paving the way for Andy Burnham to come in Credit: AFP

An ally of Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “It is the right thing that the proper process was followed – as we should never dismiss any concerns, no matter the origin or the circumstances – and he was cleared. 

“Anyone who works with Nick knows he is a high standards person and that matters deeply to him.”

All ministers are held to the Ministerial Code,which sets out the standards of behaviour expected of them.

It states: “Ministers are expected to maintain high standards of behaviour and to behave in a way that upholds the highest standards of propriety.

“Ministers are expected to embody the principles of public service and to set a positive example as they govern in the national interest. 

“Ministers should recognise that as office-holders, they are held to the highest possible standards of proper conduct, and ensure that they are living up to those standards in their words and actions.

“Ministers are responsible for their own behaviour, and are ultimately accountable to the Prime Minister for their conduct under this Code.”

Mr Thomas-Symonds is a close ally of Sir Keir who has stayed loyal to the PM during the recent chaos and Mr Burnham’s arrival in Westminster.

Originally a barrister, he became a Labour MP in 2015 and was made Paymaster General after the landslide victory in 2024.

He has led the government’s talks on “resetting” relations with the EU post Brexit. 

Sir Keir’s government has tried to get closer trading ties with Brussels – but said rejoining the single market or customs union are red lines.

Mr Thomas-Symonds has penned several well-reviewed political biographies, including on Clement Attlee and Harold Wilson.