Labour U-turns on No. 10 donor pass

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.’