Labour Peer Lord Waheed Alli in Donation Controversy, Spotted at Party Conference Amid Allegations

Lord Waheed Alli: Labour Peer Caught Up in Funding Controversy Seen at Party Gathering

Lord Waheed Alli is facing criticism for giving substantial donations to high-ranking officials, such as Sir Keir Starmer.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 7:

A Labour Lord embroiled in a controversy regarding contributions to top officials was seen by Sky News attending the party's convention in Liverpool.

Lord Waheed Alli, a television executive with a two-decade history of supporting his party financially, has recently attracted media attention following his substantial monetary gifts to party MPs, which were used for attire, vacations, and official functions.

Amidst the controversy, even though the contributions were acknowledged by the participants, Conservatives have leveled criticisms at ministers, accusing them of operating a "self-serving government."

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Lord Alli, who was granted a peerage by Tony Blair in 1998 and appointed by Sir Keir Starmer in 2022, was observed by Sky News' political correspondent Serena Barker-Singh, casually strolling through the conference.

The nobleman strolled by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, to whom he had contributed £14,000 for functions surrounding her 40th birthday, yet she did not recognize him.

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According to our reporter, a close acquaintance of Lord Alli mentioned that he remains unfazed by the surrounding media frenzy.

When she approached the Labour donor to inquire about the controversy, he responded, "Please don't—this is quite unpleasant."

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In 2023, Sir Keir Starmer has reported receiving close to £19,000 in professional attire and multiple pairs of eyeglasses from Lord Alli, the ex-chairman of the online fashion giant Asos and previously the chief fundraiser for the party during the general election.

Moreover, the lord, who has a personal fortune valued at £200 million, allocated £20,000 for lodging expenses for the current prime minister during the campaign, and an equivalent amount was spent on "private office" expenses, which has been made public.

Cabinet member Pat McFadden supported Lord Alli's contributions, stating to Sky News, "Waheed Alli has long been a devoted backer of the Labour Party. I have been acquainted with him for a long time, and he seeks no favors."

Mr. McFadden also expressed that he doesn't believe Sir Keir receiving donations constitutes unethical behavior, noting that everything was "fully disclosed."

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