Skip to main content
Donate to the 95 years appeal
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.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
A woman is led away by police officers as supporters of Palestine Action take part in a mass action in Parliament Square, Westminster, central London, August 9, 2025
Activism / 13 August 2025
13 August 2025

Thousands expected to attend next protest against Palestine Action ban, organiser say

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) on
Workers' Rights / 13 August 2025
13 August 2025
Similar stories
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn delivering his address
Britain / 18 October 2024
18 October 2024
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela
Britain / 22 September 2024
22 September 2024