Steerpike Steerpike

Tories call for watchdog inquiry into Labour cronyism row

(Getty Images)

Back to Whitehall, where the row over civil service appointments continues to gather pace. It transpires that the Conservatives have called for a watchdog inquiry into recent perks awarded to Labour donors – after one was offered a civil service job and another received a pass to No. 10. It certainly doesn’t seem like this cronyism row is going anywhere soon for Sir Keir…

Now shadow Commons leader Chris Philp has informed MPs that he is requesting the civil service commissioner and the adviser on ministerial interests to examine the rather curious cases of Sir Ian Corfield and Lord Alli. Philp slammed Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour lot for ‘improper appointments’, fuming: ‘A “government of service”… They mean just service to their cronies and their donors. It is just wrong to stuff party donors and cronies into what are supposed to be impartial civil service positions.’ Ouch. He’s certainly pulling no punches…

Mr S would remind readers that the cronyism scandal taking hold of Starmer’s army extends past the treatment of Corfield and Alli.

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