It’s just 50 days since Keir Starmer took office – so it’s impressive he’s already embroiled in a sleaze row. Amid the growing number of controversies about political appointees, the Sunday Times today features an intriguing story as its front page splash. ‘No. 10 pass for Labour donor who gave £500k’ screams the headline, which adds, in the sub-deck ‘As Starmer crony allegations swirl, millionaire TV mogul gains access to the heart of power.’ Oh dear…
It transpires that Waheed Alli, a former investment banker who led Labour’s fundraising for the general election, was subsequently given unrestricted access to Starmer’s No. 10. Alli also organised a post-election reception in the Downing Street garden with others who helped to bankroll its campaign. As the Sunday Times notes ‘It is rare for anyone not formally employed as a political adviser or civil servant to be given a Downing Street pass, or to host events on the premises.’ Alli of course is the man who recently gave Starmer nearly £20,000 in ‘work clothing’ to keep him looking glam. Talk about taking him to the cleaners…
Labour is now spinning like a top, insisting that Alli did have a pass but now, er, no longer has one. So when exactly did he lose it then? Both Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire – the journalists who broke this story – say that prior to publication No.10 admitted Alli had a security pass to Downing Street, but indicated it may be temporary. Now they are saying he no longer has one and even that he hasn’t for a few weeks. ‘Their positions are inconsistent’, in Pogrund’s words.
Something to think about the next time someone doles out £20k to dress the Prime Minister eh?
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