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Starmer in new cronyism row after millionaire Labour donor gets unrestricted access to No 10
Prime Minister Keir Starmer departs 10 Downing Street, London, heading to the House of Commons to attend his first Prime Minister's Questions since being elected, July 24, 2024

SIR KEIR STARMER has been engulfed in a new cronyism row after it emerged the millionaire TV mogul Waheed Alli was given unrestricted access to No 10 after donating £500,000 to Labour.

Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden could not say today why Lord Alli had been granted the pass, which is normally reserved for officials and staff.

He was quizzed about it on Sky News after the Sunday Times also revealed that Lord Alli had organised a post-election Downing Street garden reception for others who contributed to the party’s campaign.

Others with ties to Labour or Labour-supporting think tanks have also been appointed to Civil Service roles, leading to anger over its politicisation.

In the run-up to the election Lord Alli, a television executive who was ennobled by Tony Blair in 1998, gave Sir Keir tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of personal donations, including £16,200 worth of work clothing, £2,845 worth of glasses and £36,400 for private office costs and accommodation.

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