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Starmer facing ethics probe over undeclared gifts

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Oh dear. It seems that the ‘passes for glasses’ row isn’t going away any time soon. A month after it was revealed that Lord Alli had received a Downing Street pass after bankrolling Keir Starmer’s wardrobe, today’s Sunday Times contains a fresh development. Not content with dressing up the Prime Minister, it seems that Alli has also been kitting out his wife Victoria too. Perhaps he bought the couple matching outfits?

Unfortunately for Sir Keir, while his clothes were declared in line with parliamentary rules on donations, the same cannot be said for those worn by his wife. The Sunday Times reports that the clothes were given to Lady Starmer before and after her husband entered Downing Street in July, with Labour HQ helping to organise the delivery of the goods for Lady Starmer. Details of the arrangement were known only to a tiny circle of trusted advisers, with Lord Alli also covering the cost of a personal shopper and alterations too.

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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

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