Labour Peer Lord Alli Under Investigation Amid Starmer Donation Controversy

Lord Alli: Key Labour Contributor Involved in Starmer Perks Controversy Subject to Lords Inquiry

Lord Waheed Alli is under scrutiny for "suspected failure to register interests," potentially violating the members' code of conduct.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 9:

The Labour Lord involved in a controversy regarding contributions to Sir Keir Starmer is being scrutinized by the ethics committee of the Lords.

Lord Waheed Alli is under investigation for allegedly failing to register interests, potentially violating the members' code of conduct.

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According to the official UK parliament website, a prominent British businessman, known as one of the Labour Party's principal financiers and the prime minister's biggest individual supporter since December 2019, is under scrutiny for possible violations of codes 14(a) and 17.

These regulations mandate that members disclose any interests that could potentially impact their decisions in parliament, and require that these records are consistently updated.

Sources indicate that the focus of the investigation is not on donations, but on administrative details concerning previously disclosed interests.

The representative of the Lords declined to provide additional remarks.

A spokesperson for the Labour Party stated: "Lord Alli is fully prepared to cooperate with the Commissioner of the Lords and is confident that all necessary interests have been declared. We are unable to provide additional comments during the ongoing process."

Who is Baron Alli?

Recently, Lord Alli has been the subject of media attention following revelations that he has donated substantial sums of money to his party's MPs, which were used for clothing, vacations, and work-related events.

Sky News' Westminster Accounts project revealed that he donated more than £39,000 in gifts and hospitality to Sir Keir during the previous parliament.

In 2023, the Prime Minister was gifted almost £19,000 in professional attire and multiple pairs of spectacles from Lord Alli, along with accommodation valued at £20,000.

Sir Keir arranged for his son to prepare for his GCSE exams in tranquility at the ex-TV executive’s central London apartment, as their family residence was besieged by journalists during the general election.

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He has claimed that Lord Alli's financial support was driven by his desire for a Labour victory in the campaign.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Chancellor Rachel Reeves were recipients of funds for clothing purchases from a veteran Labour peer, while Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson received £14,000 to cover expenses for work-related events coinciding with her 40th birthday.

The donations were publicly acknowledged by the participants, however, Conservatives have criticized ministers for participating in a "self-serving government."

The Labour Party has been criticized for being hypocritical after previously slamming the Conservatives for unethical behavior and promising to reform politics should they come into power.

What is the total amount given by Lord Alli to Labour?

According to the Westminster Accounts initiative from Sky News, significant contributions have been made by Lord Alli to Labour MPs over the last five years.

In the previous legislative session, which began in 2019, Lord Alli contributed an estimated total of £603,100 through services, donations, gifts, benefits, and additional payments.

The highest beneficiaries included the Labour Party, which received £311,000, followed by Sir Keir who obtained approximately £134,000 in gifts, benefits, and donations, and the former shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, who was given £12,000 in donations.

According to the Westminster Accounts, since the commencement of the current parliament earlier this summer, Lord Alli has contributed an estimated £33,980 through services, donations, gifts, benefits, and additional payments.

Sir Keir Starmer leads with gifts or benefits valued at £20,000.

Liam Conlon, who has only served as an MP since the previous election and is the son of the Prime Minister's chief of staff, Sue Gray, follows closely with £10,000 in contributions.

Angela Rayner, the deputy to Sir Keir, received donations totaling £3,550.

Sir Keir, Ms Reeves, and Ms Rayner have declared they will stop accepting donations for clothing purchases in response to the recent criticism.

The issue cast a shadow over the party's initial yearly meeting since they assumed office, and was mentioned by Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield as one of her reasons for relinquishing her party whip last Saturday, in a protest against the party leadership.

"We require explanations"

Lord Alli previously served as the chairman of the online fashion retailer ASOS and held the role of chief fundraiser for the party during the general election.

He has been contributing financially to the Labour Party for two decades and was granted a peerage by Tony Blair in 1998.

The SNP embraced the inquiry, stating that the "controversy has undermined public trust in Keir Starmer, his administration, and the Westminster system, necessitating complete transparency and accountability."

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They also demanded additional investigations into all contributions made by Lord Alli and the issuance of a temporary Downing Street security pass, which the government claims was for him to participate in political gatherings.

Brendan O'Hara, the SNP's spokesperson for the Cabinet Office, expressed outrage, stating, "Voters are shocked to learn that Labour ministers have accumulated over £800,000 in high-end apparel, vacation trips, hospitality, and contributions while enforcing harsh austerity measures on the public. They are eager to understand what the donors received in return."

"We require explanations – encompassing the reasons behind the acceptance of these gifts, potential violations of the MPs' and ministerial code, and the rationale for granting Lord Alli access to highly secure areas."

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