UK politics live: Starmer pays back £6,000 in gifts amid donations row as Lord Alli faces interest probe
Prime minister ‘covering cost of six Taylor Swift tickets, four races tickest and designer clothing deal’ for his wife
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Sir Keir Starmer has paid back more than £6,000 worth of gifts and hospitality he received since the election, after the row over ministerial donations, it’s been revealed.
The prime minister is covering the cost of six Taylor Swift tickets, four tickets to the races and a clothing rental agreement with a high-end designer favoured by his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer.
A No 10 spokesperson said: “The prime minister has commissioned a new set of principles on gifts and hospitality to be published as part of the updated ministerial code. Ahead of the publication of the new code, the prime minister has paid for several entries on his own register. This will appear in the next register of members’ interests.”
Labour peer Lord Waheed Alli is under investigation over alleged non-registration of interests that could lead to a possible breach of the members’ code of conduct.
The fashion mogul, who has been at the centre of the row over donations accepted by Sir Keir Starmer, is being probed by the Lords’ commissioner.
Meanwhile, James Cleverly issued an apology to Tory members following the party’s brutal election defeat in July, urging the party to avoid complacency, warning against “wallowing in self-pity”.
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Tory chief whip vows to work with Starmer to back Israel
The chief whip of the Conservative Party Stuart Andrew is speaking before the candidates take to the stage.
He told the conference: “Conference, today I will highlight the face we have ahead of us and what we are already doing in Parliament to hold this Labour government to account.
Mr Andrew added that the Tories stand fully behind Israel’s right to defend itself, adding: “At times like this we will work constructively and responsibly with the government as that is the right thing to do in the national interest.”
Tory chairman introduces session
Richard Fuller, the Tory chariman, is on the main stage introducing the morning session.
He has started his speech by thanking party members who have helped with the conference.
Pictured: Final speeches kick off with empty seats
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