Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent at The Times, has warned that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is on a “slippery slope” following his decision to repay £6,000 worth of gifts and hospitality.
Speaking to GB News, Allegretti described the Downing Street statement as “surprising” and coming “almost out of the blue”
He noted that the move has “rejuvenated a lot of the speculation and the criticism” levied at Number 10 for their handling of the freebies saga.
The correspondent highlighted that the announcement “completely overshadowed Sir Keir Starmer’s press conference in Brussels” where he met with Ursula von der Leyen.
Aubrey Allegretti raised questions about the partial nature of the repayments
GB News
Allegretti raised questions about the partial nature of the repayments, pointing out that there are “still, I think, £40,000 of freebies and hospitality that the Labour leader and now Prime Minister has accepted”.
He emphasised the lack of explanation for why Starmer is “paying back the money for some and not others”.
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The journalist also questioned the precedent this sets for other Labour politicians who have received similar gifts.
Allegretti cited the example of Sarah Jones, a Labour minister, who is now considering repaying tickets she received, including one for the BBC Proms.
He explained ” But this is now a sort of slippery slope, if you like. How many other politicians are going to be asked to pay back this money because of Keir Starmer’s decision?”
Sir Keir Starmer has repaid over £6,000 worth of gifts and hospitality received since taking office, Downing Street announced.
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The Prime Minister is covering the cost of six Taylor Swift tickets from Universal Music Group, valued at £2,800.
He has also repaid four tickets to Doncaster Races from Arena Racing Company, worth £1,939.
Additionally, Starmer has paid for two football tickets from the Football Association, costing £598.
An £839 clothing rental agreement with designer Edeline Lee, favoured by Lady Victoria Starmer, has also been reimbursed.
Keir Starmer has paid back some of the donations that he recieved
GB News
The repayments come amid weeks of criticism over Labour accepting tens of thousands of pounds worth of freebies from wealthy donors.
Speaking in Brussels, Starmer defended his decision, stating, “We came in as a government of change. We are now going to bring forward principles for donations.”
He added, “I took the position that until the principles are in place it was right for me to make those repayments.”
The move follows Labour’s promise to “clean up politics” if they entered government.