Starmer repays £6,000 gifts amid donation controversy
Starmer addresses controversy by repaying £6,000 worth of gifts.
Sir Keir Starmer has reimbursed over £6,000 worth of gifts, which included Taylor Swift tickets and a designer clothing rental for his wife. This move aims to resolve the controversy surrounding his acceptance of donations.
The Prime Minister covered £3,398 for six Taylor Swift tickets, four race tickets, and a rental agreement with a designer favoured by Lady Victoria Starmer. These gifts had sparked backlash, and he was labelled ‘free gear Keir’ for his frequent acceptance of luxurious gifts and hospitality since taking office in July.
In response to the criticism, the PM has pledged to establish new rules for ministerial transparency regarding gifts. His decision to repay some gifts coincided with an update to the MPs’ register of interests.
Over £100,000 taken in gifts!
Starmer repays more than £6,000 in gifts after donations row https://t.co/4lgFl1ZGee
— Thefatgirl (@Thefatgirl5) October 2, 2024
This announcement came shortly after it was revealed that one of his major donors, Lord Waheed Alli, is under investigation by a House of Lords watchdog for ‘alleged non-registration of interests.’ The investigation pertains to potential breaches of the peers’ code of conduct and is understood to be a ‘clerical element’ of already declared interests.
Sir Keir reimbursed Universal Music Group £2,800 for four Taylor Swift tickets and the Football Association £598 for two more tickets. He also paid Arena Racing Corporation £1,939 for four tickets to Doncaster Races. Additionally, he covered an £839 clothing rental agreement with designer Edeline Lee, worn by his wife at London Fashion Week, along with an hour of hair and makeup.
At a press conference in Brussels, the PM stated it was ‘right’ to repay the donations while new principles for accepting gifts are developed. He emphasised the need for general principles rather than case-by-case judgments.
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that the PM has commissioned new principles on gifts and hospitality, which will be included in the updated ministerial code. The PM has already paid for several entries on his register, which will appear in the next register of members’ interests.
The updated register revealed that Sir Keir accepted £6,134 from Lord Alli in ‘clothing and personal support’ for Lady Starmer in June. He also received £920 from Tottenham Hotspur stadium for two tickets to a September derby and £1,000 from Arsenal FC for a game in August. The PM has defended accepting hospitality to attend football matches, citing security concerns.
Starmer repays more than £6,000 in gifts after donations row.Not enough but a shallow attempt to deflect his graft! https://t.co/4ggVATkupq
— GariochGrapeVine (@WG_Grapevine) October 2, 2024
Lord Alli is at the centre of the ‘freebies’ controversy, which has affected Downing Street for weeks. He provided high-end clothing for Sir Keir and his wife, as well as free accommodation for the PM’s family. His generosity extended to other senior Labour figures, including Deputy PM Angela Rayner and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.
Peers must register all relevant interests within one month of any change. A new listing on the Commissioners’ website stated that Lord Alli is under investigation for ‘alleged non-registration of interests,’ potentially breaching the peers’ code of conduct.
Lord Alli, a media tycoon, has been a long-time Labour supporter. His donations to senior Labour figures include £20,000 declared by Sir Keir for accommodation during the general election campaign. The PM stated this was to allow his son to study for his GCSEs away from media scrutiny.
Sir Keir defended using Lord Alli’s house for a video encouraging remote work during the Covid pandemic. The video, recorded in December 2021, featured the PM’s family photos and Christmas cards, although it was filmed at Lord Alli’s flat in Covent Garden.
There is no suggestion that the PM or his Cabinet members broke any rules by accepting gifts. However, Lord Alli’s connections with Sir Keir have faced scrutiny, especially after the Labour peer received a No10 pass post-election, which he has since returned.
Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield cited the freebies row as a reason for resigning the Labour whip on Saturday. At the Brussels press conference, Sir Keir declined to comment on the probe into Lord Alli, stating it would ‘run its course.’
Tory leadership contender Robert Jenrick criticised Sir Keir, accusing him of self-service rather than public service. He questioned how the PM could afford luxuries while pensioners struggle without winter fuel payments.
A Labour spokesperson stated that Lord Alli would fully cooperate with the investigation and is confident all interests have been registered. The House of Lords declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Telegraph reports Sir Keir Starmer repays £6,000 in gifts, including Taylor Swift tickets, while Cabinet ministers like Angela Rayner and David Lammy do not, fueling the “freebies” row.(read more)
- SCMP: UK’s Keir Starmer repays £6,000 worth of gifts including Taylor Swift concert tickets and horse racing tickets, amid criticism over freebies scandal.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Sir Keir Starmer pay back over £6,000 worth of gifts?
To address backlash over accepting lavish gifts and ensure better transparency.
What gifts did Sir Keir Starmer pay for himself?
He covered Taylor Swift tickets, race tickets, and a clothing rental agreement for his wife.
What prompted Sir Keir Starmer to change the rules on accepting gifts?
A backlash and ongoing scrutiny over his acceptance of lavish gifts.
Who is Lord Waheed Alli and why is he being investigated?
He’s a top donor being investigated for alleged non-registration of interests.
What did Sir Keir say about the repayment of gifts?
He believes it was ‘right’ to repay the donations while new principles are drawn up.
