Keir Starmer faces new calls for ‘cronyism’ probe after failing to declare clothing gifts to his wife from millionaire Labour donor and peer
Sir Keir Starmer is alleged to have broken parliamentary rules by failing to declare donations of clothing for his wife Victoria Starmer.
The gifts, from prominent Labour donor Lord Alli, were not initially declared in the register of MPs’ interests.
The Sunday Times reported that the Prime Minister approached the parliamentary authorities on Tuesday to make a late declaration after being given updated advice on what needed to be registered.
The Tory part has now demanded a full investigation into the Starmers’ links with prominent Labour donor Lord Alli.
A Conservative Party spokesman said: ‘It’s taken just 10 weeks for Keir Starmer to face an investigation for his conduct.
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer (right) and wife Victoria Starmer on day three of the Betfred St Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse today
Sir Keir Starmer is alleged to have broken parliamentary rules by failing to declare donations of clothing for his wife Victoria Starmer
The gifts were from prominent billionaire labour donor Lord Alli (pictured)
‘After facing allegations of cronyism and now apparent serious breaches of parliamentary rules there must be a full investigation into the passes for glasses scandal.
‘No doubt the millions of vulnerable pensioners across the country who face choosing between heating and eating would jump at the chance for free clothes just to keep warm in the face of Labour’s cruel cut.’
The Sunday Times also reported the donations covered the cost of a personal shopper, clothes and alterations for Lady Starmer both before and after Labour’s election win in July.
MPs are required to register gifts and donations within 28 days.
A No 10 spokeswoman said: ‘We sought advice from the authorities on coming to office.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with his wife Victoria pictured otday amid claims of croyonism
Victoria Starmer on day three of the Betfred St Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse
‘We believed we had been compliant, however, following further interrogation this month, we have declared further items.’
MailOnline reached out to the Labour Party for comment.
The guide to the Commons rules states MPs should register ‘any benefit given to any third party, whether or not this accompanied a benefit for him or her, if the Member is aware, or could reasonably be expected to be aware, of the benefit and that it was given because of his or her membership of the House or parliamentary or political activities’.
Lord Alli’s involvement with the Labour leader has already proved controversial after it emerged he had been given a Downing Street security pass without apparently having a government role.
The row was dubbed the ‘passes for glasses’ affair because Lord Alli has previously donated tens of thousands of pounds worth of clothing, accommodation and ‘multiple pairs’ of spectacles to the Labour leader.
The highly unusual move meant the millionaire TV mogul, who was hired by Sir Keir as the party’s chief fundraiser, could attend political meetings in No 10 and is said to have helped organise a Downing Street garden party to thank others who bankrolled the campaign.
