Labour Peer Lord Waheed Alli Shuns Queries Amid Donation Controversy at Party Conference

Lord Waheed Alli: Labour Peer Embroiled in Donation Controversy Dodges Inquiries

The ex-chairman of Asos finds himself at the heart of a controversy involving donations received by Sir Keir Starmer.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 3:

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A Labour Party peer embroiled in a controversy over donations, which has overshadowed the party's conference, has declined to comment on the matter.

Lord Waheed Alli, a television executive and long-time donor to the party, has captured attention at Labour's conference in Liverpool following revelations by Sky News' Westminster Accounts project that Sir Keir Starmer has accepted more complimentary gifts than any other MP since he became the leader of Labour.

Since December 2019, Lord Alli has contributed £39,122 out of the total £107,000 in gifts and hospitality received by Sir Keir.

He has made contributions to other members of the Labour Party as well, giving £14,000 to support event activities for Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and providing his New York residence for Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to stay during New Year's Eve.

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The prime minister is facing criticism for accepting and declaring several donations, despite previously condemning the Conservatives for similar actions.

At 59 years old, Lord Alli, the previous leader of the online fashion behemoth Asos, has kept a low profile. However, Liz Bates, the political correspondent for Sky News, encountered him at the conference on Tuesday morning.

She inquired whether he regretted any of the contributions he made. In response, the peer raised his hand to the phone she was using to record him and turned his back, declining to comment.

Liz mentioned that he was accompanied by just one staff member. "It was obvious he was attempting to remain inconspicuous," she stated.

He faced the other direction and remained utterly quiet, evidently reluctant to engage in a public conversation.

When a different Sky News reporter encountered him yesterday and inquired about the scandal, he responded, "Please don't – this isn't very pleasant."

So far this year, Sir Keir has been given – and has reported – almost £19,000 in professional attire and multiple pairs of spectacles from Lord Alli, who served as the main fundraiser for the party during the general election.

Moreover, the noble, whose estimated personal fortune stands at £200 million, allocated £20,000 for the current prime minister's lodging during the campaign, along with an equivalent amount for "private office" expenses, details of which have been made public.

Sir Keir, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Ms. Rayner have all stated they will no longer accept complimentary garments from contributors.

Discover more on Sky News: A guide to navigating Westminster Accounts on your own. Minister justifies £14,000 donation.

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High-ranking government official Pat McFadden stood by Lord Alli's contributions, stating on Sky News, "Waheed Alli has long been a substantial benefactor to the Labour Party. I have been acquainted with him for a considerable time, and he seeks no favors."

Mr. McFadden expressed that he doesn't view Sir Keir's acceptance of donations as unethical, noting that everything was appropriately declared.

Lord Alli was granted a peerage by Sir Tony Blair in 1998 and appointed by Sir Keir in 2022.

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