Mon Sep 23 22:44:30 UTC 2024: ## New UK Prime Minister Under Fire for Accepting Gifts from Wealthy Donor

**LONDON** – Less than three months into his premiership, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing scrutiny over accepting numerous gifts, including clothing and other items, from a wealthy businessman. The revelation comes as Starmer’s Labour Party attempts to re-establish trust in politics after a tumultuous period.

Starmer has accepted thousands of pounds worth of clothes and eyeglasses from Waheed Alli, a media entrepreneur and long-time Labour Party donor. He denies any wrongdoing, attributing the delayed declaration of these gifts to staff seeking clarification on reporting requirements.

Adding to the controversy, Starmer’s chief of staff, Sue Gray, who led the investigation into lockdown-breaching parties in government buildings during the COVID-19 pandemic, earns a salary of £170,000, exceeding the prime minister’s salary. The Conservative Party has accused Gray of political bias, alleging that the partygate investigation targeted Boris Johnson, the former Conservative Prime Minister.

The Labour Party has countered these allegations, claiming the Conservatives are attempting to tarnish the government’s reputation. Starmer insists he is in control, dismissing concerns about dissent among his staff regarding Gray’s salary.

The scale of gifts accepted by Starmer and his wife, Victoria, has raised eyebrows even among Labour Party supporters. Since 2019, Starmer has declared gifts, benefits, and hospitality worth over £100,000, more than any other lawmaker. These donations include tickets to Premier League soccer games for Starmer’s favorite team, Arsenal.

Following the controversy, the Labour Party has announced that Starmer will no longer accept free outfits. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who also accepted donations for clothing, has defended the practice, arguing that donations are commonplace in British politics.

The controversy comes as Labour leaders hope their annual conference will boost party morale. Fox News Digital has reached out to 10 Downing Street and Waheed Alli for comment.

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