Steerpike Steerpike

Richard Burgon takes guest who thinks ‘some laws should be broken’ to prison event

As Richard Burgon goes on the attack over G4S prisons following the Birmingham prison riot, the shadow justice secretary was caused some embarrassment yesterday when it was revealed that he had recently accepted hospitality from the firm. Guido reports that Burgon attended a G4S bash with an unnamed female companion at the Southbank Centre in November put on to showcase prison art.

So, just who was his companion that night? Mr S can reveal that it was the NUS’s Shelly Asquith who accompanied Burgon to the bash. Burgon is said to be very close indeed to Asquith, who is Vice President Welfare at the student union, working with NUS president Malia Bouattia.

Earlier this year Asquith found herself in the Mail following an investigation into links between CAGE and NUS figures regarding opposition to the Prevent strategy, part of the government’s counter- terrorism strategy.

Steerpike
Written by
Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

Topics in this article

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in