UK Labour Leader Keir Starmer and Deputy PM Angela Rayner Criticized for Accepting £100,000 in Freebies

Sep 22, 2024, 08:06 AM

UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner are facing criticism for accepting significant donations in kind, including clothing and holiday accommodations. Starmer received £100,000 worth of freebies, including clothing worth £16,200, while Rayner accepted donations valued at £3,550 in June, and additional amounts of £8,500 in October, £8,250 in March, and £900 in April from Labour chief fundraiser Lord Waheed Alli. Both politicians have defended their actions, asserting that all donations were declared transparently and in accordance with parliamentary rules. Rayner emphasized that accepting donations is a common practice among MPs and necessary for her role, given her working-class background. She also disclosed that she stayed in Lord Alli's $2.5m Manhattan apartment during a holiday to NYC. The Labour Party has indicated plans to change its policy on accepting clothing donations to address the controversy.