Deputy PM Angela Rayner accepted over £3,000 worth of free clothes from Lord Alli

1 November 2024, 00:07

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Angela Rayner arrives in Downing Street
Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Angela Rayner arrives in Downing Street. Picture: Getty

By Henry Moore

Deputy PM Angela Rayner has declared £3,550 worth of clothes donated by Lord Alli earlier this year as Labour’s expenses scandal rears its head once again.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Ms Rayner updated her entry in the register of interests to reflect that the donation received in June was for "work clothes for use while undertaking duties".

She had originally described it as a "donation in kind for undertaking parliamentary duties" from Lord Alli.

Ms Rayner, Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves stopped accepting donations to pay for clothes in September after the Prime Minister and his top team received criticism for accepting freebies.

Read more: As the dust settles on Rachel Reeves’ first Budget – all eyes are on farms and markets

Read more: Independent schools vote to sue over Labour’s VAT hike

The Prime Minister has paid back £6,000 worth of gifts and hospitality he received since entering Number 10.

He also commissioned a new set of principles on gifts and hospitality to be published as part of the updated Ministerial Code.

Labour Party Annual Conference - Day Four
Labour Party Annual Conference - Day Four. Picture: Getty

The fury over freebies had died down in recent weeks but the gifts - which Labour says were declared within the rules- sparked a backlash, particularly against a backdrop of cuts to the winter fuel payment.

Speaking at a news conference in Brussels following talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Starmer said paying back the £6,000 was the "right" thing to do.

He said: "We came in as a government of change. We are now going to bring forward principles for donations.

"Until now, politicians have used their best individual judgement on a case-by-case basis."

Given the row that's engulfed his government, he said it's clear "we need some principles" on the "general application" of rules on donations.

"Until those are in place, it was right for me to make those repayments," he added.

A Downing Street spokesperson earlier 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."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Breaking
Breaking News

Two motorcycle riders, aged 21 and 29, killed in 'catastrophic' 11 bike crash at British Supersport Championship race

US President Donald Trump

Trump says he'll help 'starving' Gazans get food but claims Hamas is making efforts to help Palestinians 'impossible'

Israeli ministers have approved a plan to capture all of Gaza and remain in the territory for an unspecified amount of time, two officials have said

Israel strikes Houthi targets in Yemen after missile attacks - as Gaza offensive intensifies

Zhao will resume in the evening with a 17-8 lead over the veteran Welshman in their best-of-35 showdown

Zhao nears crucible glory after dominant display leaves Williams clinging on

Layton Carr died in the industrial estate fire in Gateshead

'Bright and beautiful boy' who died after industrial estate fire in Gateshead ‘was loved by all', family says

Exclusive
New Scotland Yard Sign London

'We need to be vigilant in the UK about Iranian activity', warns security expert following thwarted terror attack

Crowds gathered to watch the procession along the Pall Mall

In pictures: VE Day celebrations take place across UK as country commemorates victory in Europe

Exclusive
Ian Alexander, is a former Bristol Rovers Footballer and Yate Town Manager, who was diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) - is taking legal action against the Football Association.

'No head checks, no aftercare’: Bristol Rovers legend leads legal fight against football bodies over brain injuries

Vatican Readies For May 7 Conclave

Pope-ularity contest: Bookies set odds for conclave candidates

The woman and baby were pulled from Regent's Canal in Treaty Street, north London

Attempted murder arrest after woman and baby pulled from canal

A red arrows flypast has taken place over Buckingham Palace to mark the 80th anniversary of VE day

Crowds break out into applause as Red Arrows make dazzling display over Buckingham Palace to mark VE Day

Actor Timothy Spall performs his reading of Sir Winston Churchill's 1945 victory speech, during the 80th anniversary of VE Day, and in honour of those who served during the Second World War, in central London. Picture date: Monday May 5, 2025.

'Do not yield to violence and tyranny': Timothy Spall kicks off VE Day celebrations with moving Winston Churchill speech

Trent Alexander-Arnold who has announced he will leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool after making 'hardest decision'

Oscar Piastri celebrates on the podium after his faultless drive at the Miami Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri wins in Miami as Lando Norris hampered by duel with Max Verstappen

David and Victoria Beckham married in 1999

David Beckham ‘feeling very lucky’ following 50th birthday celebrations

The Coronation Street episode will flashback to 2007 and reveal how Kit, Mick and Lou know one another

Coronation Street to air flashback episode taking viewers back to 2007