Keir Starmer is entirely right that there is a big difference between declaring and corrupting (Keir Starmer indicated on 17 September that he would continue to accept gifts from donors). But he should recognise that there is a crucial difference between appearing greedy and the ethical leadership he has promised. Receiving gifts of considerable value gives the impression of greed, when received by people who can easily afford it themselves. Starmer should have learnt that from Boris Johnson's antics. I am yet to meet anyone who thinks this government is off to a good start. So the need to avoid self-destructing should speak for itself.
John Coutts
Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire
Keir Starmer complains: “I'm a passionate Arsenal fan. I can't be in the stands for security reasons, so if I don't receive a gift of hospitality I can't go to the game. I can say, 'Well, bad luck.'” I don't deny the safety issues. But this is about receiving gifts. Why can't he accept the arrangement, turn down the gift and pay the expenses? I thought this should be a serving government, not self-serving.
Nick Moss
London
The controversy over Victoria Starmer's clothing as wife of the Prime Minister reminds me of when, as wife of the British ambassador in Paris, British designers loaned or gave me, at a discount, well-made and beautifully designed British clothes that not only suited me but also competed admirably with the highly dynamic French fashion industry.
Mary Fretwell
London
Does the Labour Party have a warped morality that could potentially consign millions of pensioners to a freezing winter, while Keir Starmer accepts thousands of pounds to dress his wife in a style she should be used to? Whether or not it's within the rules, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth and shows a lack of awareness of how this looks to the millions of people who have to buy their own clothes and choose between food and heating.
Christopher Court
Exeter
It's strange that billionaire Keir Starmer needs Labour donors to buy his glasses and his wife's clothes. Does this man have no pride? Even the pensioners he is targeting manage to afford their own glasses and clothes. Will he get help from Waheed Ali for fuel costs next?
Rita Rossini
Dovercourt, Essex
Keir Starmer should not only reconsider the gift-giving of everyday items that we ordinary people have to accept, but also abolish subsidised meals in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, which would help our government representatives to face up to the reality that applies to most of us.
Cass Delaney
Glassen Dock, Lancaster
When Keir Starmer said he was the candidate for “change”, I didn't think he was referring to the way he and his wife dress..
Les Bright
Exeter
Do you miss Michael Foot's donkey jacket?
Shane Mary Mitchell
Cambridge
