Keir Starmer has taken steps to restore public trust in politics by repaying £6,000 worth of gifts and hospitality received since assuming the role of Prime Minister. This decision follows controversy surrounding the value of donations he has accepted over the years, including tickets to Taylor Swift concerts and rented clothing for his wife.
Industry Minister Sarah Jones commented on Starmer’s actions, emphasizing that his motivation was to enhance trust in politicians. She stated, “We need to do more to make people trust politicians because politics can be a force for good.” Jones reiterated Starmer’s commitment to higher standards in government, suggesting that the Prime Minister recognized the need for a new approach to gifts and hospitality.
Jones clarified that no rules had been broken regarding the acceptance of these gifts, leaving the choice of whether to repay donations up to individual ministers and MPs. She revealed that she had accepted complimentary tickets on three occasions over her seven years as an MP but stated that she would not accept further hospitality. Jones also mentioned that she is considering repaying a free ticket to the BBC Proms, highlighting a shift in perspective regarding such invitations.
Downing Street sources affirmed that Starmer’s repayment was not an indication that ministers could never accept hospitality again, but rather a responsible step while new rules around hospitality are being developed. In response to the ongoing scrutiny, the government has established a cross-party modernization committee tasked with reviewing and updating parliamentary standards and procedures. Following the backlash over his acceptance of over £100,000 in gifts since December 2019, Starmer, along with key figures like Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves, has committed to not accepting any further free clothing.
