Sir Keir Starmer is in a “high-pressure” position and should be permitted to accept gifts and hospitality, provided they are appropriately disclosed, a cabinet member informed Sky News.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds expressed that anyone in the role of Prime Minister “devotes nearly every moment of their waking hours to their duties,” and if they have the opportunity to engage in something meaningful to them, “I don’t see that as an issue.”
This comes after the Westminster Accounts project from Sky News disclosed that Sir Keir has received considerably more complimentary items than any other MP since he took on the role of Labour leader.
From December 2019 onwards, he has received £107,145 in gifts, benefits, and hospitality—an explicit category listed in parliament’s register of MPs’ interests.
The Premier League stands out as one of the most significant providers of hospitality, and Sir Keir—an avid Arsenal supporter—has amassed nearly £40,000 in tickets since December 2019.
Mr. Reynolds commented, “I believe anyone in a role of such pressure, magnitude, and significance as the Prime Minister dedicates virtually all their waking hours to it.”
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Minister defends PM’s ‘freebies’
“If they have an opportunity to spend some time with family or engage in something that matters to them, such as a lifelong support for a football team, I see no issue with that,” he remarked.
He further indicated that the public “would reasonably expect” prime ministers to attend sporting events from a directors’ box for safety reasons.
When questioned about accepting complimentary tickets for concerts like Taylor Swift and Coldplay, he stated: “These are significant cultural and sporting occasions. It is crucial for those in public positions to maintain some connection to them.”
Sir Keir Starmer with his spouse Victoria at Taylor Swift’s Wembley concert. Pic: Keir Starmer/X
Members of Parliament are obligated to register any gifts and contributions within a timeline of 28 days.
The business secretary also mentioned that there are “clear guidelines” established and he has “no issues with how the system operates.”
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Moreover, he stated that the government’s contentious move to eliminate the winter fuel allowance for the majority of pensioners should not be “mingled” with the Prime Minister’s acceptance of complimentary items.
Sir Keir is a devoted Arsenal supporter. Pic: PA
“I think it’s not appropriate to intertwine these two matters and overlook the pressing issues confronting the UK, which can only be resolved with a change in government,” he elaborated.
Earlier this week, Sir Keir advocated for his entitlement to receive football-related gifts, explaining that for security purposes: “If I decline a hospitality offer, I am unable to attend a match.”
He is also facing scrutiny following a BBC report indicating that his chief of staff Susan Gray receives a salary exceeding £170,000, surpassing that of the Prime Minister.
Mr. Reynolds stated that the compensation for advisors “is not determined by politicians” and “there exists an official mechanism for that.”
He concluded: “Sue Gray is diligently executing the work of this government, fulfilling our commitments; that is what matters most for anyone in Downing Street, and I assure you that is precisely what is occurring.”
