Tory Esther McVey has shut the door on a journalist asking if she is “in denial” about the hated benefit shake-up Universal Credit .
The Work and Pensions Secretary fled TV cameras this morning after an audit report blasted her for presiding over a “department in denial”.
More than 1.2million people are on the six-in-one benefit, with more than 100 new Jobcentres hit by Christmas, as it’s blamed for food banks use and rent debts.
In a damning report today, the Commons Public Accounts Committee said the Tory “fortress mentality” is failing claimants who are struggling to adapt.
Meg Hillier, who chairs the PAC, said: “This report provides further damning evidence of a culture of indifference at DWP – a department disturbingly adrift from the real-world problems of the people it is there to support.
(Image: Sky News)
“Its apparent determination to turn a deaf ear to the concerns of claimants, frontline organisations and Parliament is of real concern.”
Yet confronted by Sky News at her office today, Ms McVey denied she was in denial.
Asked if she had any comment, the Tatton MP told Sky News – without stopping to talk – “there is but I’ve just got to get into work”.
Asked if she had presided over a culture of denial, she turned her back to the camera and replied: “Absolutely not.”
(Image: Sky News)
“We’re speaking with everybody at the moment, hence I’ve started new partnership arrangements with the PAC and the Citizens Advice Bureau.”
Asked if she could repeat her comments – which were muffled due to her walking away at the time – she replied: “I can but I’m going inside.”
She then shut the door with a firm thud.
A Downing Street spokeswoman today said Theresa May has “full confidence” in the Work and Pensions Secretary.
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