Access and Influence: Labour Donor Lord Waheed Alli’s Brief Pass to Downing Street Raises Questions

Controversy Surrounding Labour Donor: Official Confirmation that Lord Waheed Alli Held Temporary Number 10 Pass

The authorities confirmed that Lord Waheed Alli, a prominent figure in television and a Labour Party donor for two decades, relinquished his Number 10 access pass at the conclusion of July.

By Dylan Donnelly, journalism correspondent

Sunday, August 25, 2024, 4:

A benefactor of the Labour Party, who donated over £500,000, was granted temporary access to 10 Downing Street, according to information provided to Sky News by the government.

According to The Sunday Times, Lord Waheed Alli, a TV executive and longtime donor to the Labour Party, received a pass that allowed entry to Downing Street even though he does not hold any formal position within the government.

Labour stated that he participated in a few political gatherings where no civil servants were present, and mentioned that he returned his pass at the end of July.

An official stated that Lord Alli possessing a pass was "completely according to the regulations and not uncommon."

In an interview with Sky News this Sunday, Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden remarked, "It’s not uncommon for individuals to possess passes for attending political gatherings when necessary."

"He might not have a pass currently, but it's possible he had one before."

In 1998, Tony Blair elevated Lord Alli to the peerage. Furthermore, he took on the role of chief fundraiser for the party during the general election after being appointed by Sir Keir Starmer in 2022.

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Earlier in the year, a Sky News investigation into the Westminster Accounts revealed that Lord Alli contributed £100,000 to Sir Keir's 2020 campaign for the leadership of the Labour Party.

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Following a report by The Sunday Times, John Glen, the shadow paymaster general, expressed his disappointment, noting: "It's disheartening that Labour is choosing to address their cronyism culture only after coming under media scrutiny."

"Starmer's scandals are overwhelming the new administration, and it's crucial for Labour to fully disclose the identities of those they've placed in high-ranking government positions, as well as the benefactors they've reciprocated, to preserve the civil service's autonomy and integrity."

Tom Tugendhat, the shadow security minister and a contender for the Conservative leadership, stated, "While in opposition, the prime minister and the chancellor were vocal advocates for ethical standards in public office. However, once they assumed power and the election results were in, their narrative shifted, revealing a return to typical Labour practices."

The premier faces pressing inquiries. Who sanctioned the issuance of a Downing Street pass to a supporter of the Labour Party? Did the prime minister have prior knowledge of this approval? Can he disclose a complete record of the gatherings the donor participated in, along with the topics that were broached?

The citizens of the UK are seeking explanations, and it is the duty of the prime minister to furnish them

"Let's make no mistake. Every politician is obligated to maintain the integrity and conduct demanded of individuals in top governmental roles. Leaders must prioritize the interests of their constituents above their personal ambitions and political maneuvers."

"We need to start afresh with the citizens of Britain and restore the confidence that has been eroded by such corruption and deception, which is fundamentally corrupting our political system. This requires true leadership, a quality that appears to be missing in Sir Keir."

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