Stephen Flynn is angry because Keir Starmer is ‘not being investigated’ over clothing gifts

The Prime Minister has indicated that he will continue to accept gifts, despite strong reactions from Labour peer Lord Alli.

He insisted there was a “massive difference between declarations and corruption” when confronted with questions about his alleged failure to register high-quality clothing given to Lady Starmer by the prominent donor.

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The Tories have called for a full investigation into the Starmers’ links to Lord Alli, with the party demanding an inquiry into Starmer’s “failure to explain”.

However, Harriet Line, deputy political editor of the Daily Mail, reported that Starmer was not being investigated by the commissioner.

Reacting to the news, Flynn said on Twitter/X: “Nevertheless, last year the Commissioner saw fit to open an investigation into my use of 28p stationery.

(Image: Twitter/X)

“The process lasted four months. Of course, it ended without any action.”

The SNP’s Westminster leader was referring to being reported to the House of Commons authorities in July after his team distributed mugs full of official compliments criticising the Labour Party to Parliament as part of a PR stunt.

10 Downing Street has said it has sought advice from the authorities on the issue of declarations and believes it has acted in accordance with the rules. However, “following further consultations this month, we have made further declarations.”

Members of Parliament are required to register gifts and donations within 28 days.

Speaking to journalists accompanying him on his visit to Rome, Starmer rejected the idea that taxpayers should fund such expenses for prime ministers and their spouses, but said it was “a bit of a stretch” to deny him the right to accept certain forms of hospitality.

He gave the example of football tickets, which the Prime Minister is known to accept as gifts. He said: “I’m a huge Arsenal fan. For security reasons I can’t go into the stands, so if I don’t accept a gift, I can’t go to a game. You could say, ‘Well, tough luck.’ That’s why gifts have to be registered.”

“But you know, never going to an Arsenal game again because I can’t accept hospitality is going a bit too far.”

The National has contacted the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards for further comment.