Official announcements from the UK government or Labour Party

UK Deputy PM Angela Rayner Faces Scrutiny Over £3,550 Donation; Labour Leaders Criticized for £14,000 Gifts

Sep 22, 2024, 08:33 AM

UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has come under scrutiny for accepting a £3,550 donation in the form of clothing from Labour chief fundraiser Lord Waheed Alli. Despite parliamentary rules requiring the nature of such donations to be declared, Rayner initially refused to clarify the donation's nature. Labour officials later admitted the donation was clothing. Rayner defended herself by emphasizing transparency and stating that all MPs accept gifts and donations. Rayner also accepted £8,500 last October, £8,250 this March, and £900 this April from Lord Alli. Additionally, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson faced criticism for accepting £14,000 from Lord Alli to fund a birthday party and other events. Rayner also defended her use of holiday accommodation in Lord Alli's New York apartment. Labour is considering stricter rules on declaring gifts to address these controversies.