Sir Waheed Ali, a prominent Labor Party donor and member of the House of Lords embroiled in a bribery scandal surrounding Sir Keir Starmer's government, is under investigation for allegedly failing to register “interests”.
The Labor peer, a wealthy media mogul admired by former Labor prime minister Tony Blair and one of the left party's biggest donors, was accused by the House of Lords standards watchdog of possibly breaching the party's code of conduct for members. He is facing an investigation from. Upper House of the British Parliament.
Sir Ali's investigation concerns “allegations of non-registration of interests” that could influence parliamentary action. According to Sky News said it “understands” the investigation is separate from the growing scandal surrounding lavish gifts given to Starmer and other ministers.
The broadcaster calculated that during the last parliamentary session, the London-born Trinidadian-Guyanese billionaire gave Mr Starmer £134,000 in entertainment and gifts, and that Mr Starmer has since 2019 became the largest individual donor. The MP gave the Prime Minister £19,000 to buy “work clothes” and designer glasses, as well as £20,000 for accommodation, including the use of his own equipment. £18m a central London penthouse and his £4 million Soho townhouse.
Overall, Sir Ali has given an estimated £603,100 to party and Labor politicians in the form of donations, gifts, services and other favors over the past five years. Eyebrows have been raised over the fact that such a large donor to the party was given a security pass to Downing Street despite holding no formal role in government.
Commenting on the House of Lords investigation, a Labor Party spokesperson said: “Lord Ali has cooperated fully with the Lord Chancellor and is confident that all interests have been registered.” As this issue is ongoing, we are unable to comment further. ”
Unlike the United States, where large gifts to members of Congress are prohibited, British politicians can allowed Receiving gifts from individuals on the UK electoral register or from businesses and some organizations registered in the UK. It is not permitted to accept gifts from foreign nationals or companies registered in other countries.
Exorbitant 'freebies' given to Mr Starmer and other senior government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Ryner and the Prime Minister, as Britons find themselves in financial distress and bracing for impending tax increases and austerity measures from the Labor government. There was criticism.
The scandal prompted leading Labor MP Rosie Duffield to declare last week that Starmer's three-month-old government's “basement, nepotism and outright greed is on an extraordinary scale” and exploited the wealthy. He accused the prime minister of lacking “political instincts.” While the average Brit is struggling, donors are funding lavish lifestyles.
In addition, Reformist MP Rupert Lowe said he was investigating whether he could bring legal action against government officials under bribery laws.
Mr Starmer and other members of the government have said they will no longer accept personal gifts from donors, despite insisting they have done nothing wrong. Prime Minister's official residence too revealed On Wednesday, he announced he had covered £6,000 in gifts and entertainment he had already accepted since taking office in July, including tickets to a Taylor Swift concert and designer clothing rentals for his wife.
Meanwhile, the video of Angela Reiner dancing in the DJ booth of a nightclub on the Spanish resort island of Ibiza was paid for by the DJ's agent, who then donated it to the Deputy Prime Minister as a entertainment donation. It was also revealed that he had donated £836. telegraph paper reported.
The video of Reiner dancing with a bottle in Ibiza comes as the government announces cuts to winter fuel support for pensioners and Starmer warns of “tough times” ahead. Considering what had happened, it had already caused a backlash.
Government members are not the only Labor Party figures caught up in the widening scandal.
According to to daily mailleft-wing London mayor Sadiq Khan has received £107,971 in freebies since taking office in 2016, including concert tickets to see American stars such as Taylor Swift, Madonna and Bruce Springsteen. He was also given a Hugo Boss suit worth hundreds of pounds.
The tabloid said the far-left politician, known internationally for his long-running feud with former President Donald Trump, was labeled a “privileged prince” after he also received free tickets to soccer's Champions League final and tennis' Wimbledon final. It was reported that he was branded as , music award ceremonies, fashion events and more.
A spokesperson for the mayor said: “As Mayor, Mr Sadiq has worked tirelessly to beat the drum for London and act as a champion for the capital's creative and sporting sectors. “All gifts received by the Mayor are openly and transparently declared. , strict rules apply.”
