Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson Clarifies Use of £14K Donation Amidst Party Donation Controversy

Education Secretary Justifies £14,000 Contribution, Asserts Full Disclosure

Bridget Phillipson explains to Sky News that the funds covered two gatherings, though she refutes claims that one event celebrating her upcoming 40th was a birthday celebration.

Political journalist @NifS

Sunday, September 22, 2024, 1:

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Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has justified accepting a £14,000 donation from a Labour peer involved in a controversy over gifts, stating that it was "fully and correctly declared."

A report by the Mail on Sunday alleged that a minister utilized funds provided by Lord Waheed Alli to finance her 40th birthday celebration.

In a conversation with Sky News during the Labour Party conference, Ms. Phillipson emphasized that the contribution was used to fund two gatherings in a "professional… work context," attended by figures from the education field, trade unions, and political reporters.

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Pressed to clarify the contributions she received from Lord Alli, a media executive with a history of supporting Labour for two decades, Ms. Phillipson explained to Sky News' Trevor Phillips, "The money was allocated for a couple of events, and everything was declared in full compliance with regulations. That's the reason this information is publicly accessible."

The initial gathering took place just before my 40th birthday, presenting a perfect chance to assemble a diverse professional crowd. The attendees included journalists, members of trade unions, educators, Members of Parliament, and members of the shadow cabinet.

"The subsequent gathering was another one that I organized for both lobby journalists and educational professionals, as part of a reception within a professional setting."

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She also mentioned that she observed her "real 40th birthday" alongside her family, noting, "We had pizza. I celebrated with my children."

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has faced criticism for receiving over £100,000 in gifts since he took over as party leader in 2019. These gifts range from football match tickets and concert passes to high-end clothing for him and his wife, with Lord Alli picking up the tab for the apparel.

It has come to light that Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Chancellor Rachel Reeves were beneficiaries of funds provided by a veteran Labour peer, which were used to buy clothing.

The trio, who had previously recorded the contributions in their register of interests, have pledged not to receive any more money for clothing in the future.

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When questioned about returning the funds after the criticism, Ms. Phillipson responded, "If they have reported it according to the regulations and adhered to them, as they evidently have, then I don't see any reason for them to do so."

She continued, "The only reason we're able to discuss this is because my colleagues and I have adhered to the regulations. I've complied with the rules myself. I've documented in the register of interests the details of the donations and their sources, and this information is accessible to everyone."

The minister expressed annoyance at having to address the controversy during the Labour Party's conference, which begins in earnest on Sunday. He preferred to focus on broader topics, stating, "Of course, this is a distraction. I'd much rather be discussing more significant matters with you."

"However, I am pleased to clearly explain where we stand on this issue."

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This weekend, Ms. Rayner faced scrutiny following a report by The Times that she failed to disclose bringing a friend on a personal vacation to New York, which was paid for by Lord Alli during the last Christmas season.

The deputy prime minister, who kicked off the party conference with the opening address on Sunday, disclosed her stay at the peer's apartment in her register of interests. However, she did not mention that Sam Tarry, the MP for Ilford South at the time, also used the same lodging.

In a conversation with the BBC, Ms. Rayner stated, "I am confident that I did not violate any regulations. I had access to the apartment and I reported that I had this access.

"Actually, I believe I was exceptionally open about it because I felt it was crucial, even though it was a private vacation, because [Lord Alli], as a friend, had previously contributed to my deputy leadership campaign."

She acknowledged the public's frustration and anger over the exposure of the donations, but emphasized that such contributions have long been a part of political life. She stressed the importance of maintaining transparency in these matters.

The controversy surrounding contributions is likely to dominate the Labour Party's initial conference as the ruling party after a 15-year hiatus.

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