One of the characteristics of an ex-barrister, he'll always wait until he's got the facts despite the political direction of travel on them. Does seem pretty crap at reading the room, but it's not in his nature to act on his gut. Still not sure how waiting for the independent advisor to finish investigating Rayner was a bad thing either. If he didn't back either, he'll just be accused of not having confidence in them even if they're found not to have done anything wrong. Do suspect any future issues with him team will end up with small details being leaked, wait for a defence with the available information, then release more that night to embarrass him.
Not entirely sure what Reeves has to do with this though.