Labour MP for South Shields Emma Lewell-Buck has expressed frustration at her party over the ongoing clothing scandal involving senior figures.
Speaking to GB News, she said: “I’m disappointed and I think other people are as well. I’ve been offered gifts before. I turn them down. I’ve had things sent to me. I’ve sent it back. I think personal gifts for politicians is a no go, party or political donations are okay.”
Lewell-Buck emphasised her commitment to maintaining independence from potential influences: “I’ve never wanted to feel beholden to anyone or anyone to think that I’m beholden to them.
“I am elected by the people of South Shields, I represent them. I’m their public servant, and that’s what I want them to always remember and want people to think. So I always send back any gifts that I get.”
Emma Lewell-Buck MP said she was disappointed in her party
GB News
The clothing scandal centres on donations made by Labour peer Lord Waheed Alli to Sir Keir Starmer and other senior party figures.
The Prime Minister and his wife received clothing worth over £23,000 from Lord Alli, including £18,685 for work clothes and glasses for Starmer.
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The controversy deepened when it emerged that Lord Alli had been given a temporary Downing Street security pass after Labour came to power.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves also accepted clothing donations from another donor, Juliet Rosenfeld.
Starmer initially failed to declare a £5,000 donation for dresses for his wife Victoria, which was later corrected. The Prime Minister defended his actions, stating it was “very important” to him that rules are followed.
Lord Alli’s influence extends beyond the Prime Minister, with donations totalling £314,147 to at least seven Cabinet ministers over nearly two decades.
Keir Starmer is facing scrutiny for the scandal
PA
Angela Rayner received £72,450, while other beneficiaries include Wes Streeting (£14,600) and Ed Miliband (£10,000).
The peer’s donations to Labour HQ have increased significantly under Starmer’s leadership, with £352,747 given so far compared to £43,404 during Jeremy Corbyn’s tenure.
Lord Alli, a media entrepreneur and openly gay Muslim politician, has been a Labour life peer since 1998. He has used his position to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, including supporting the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act in 2000.
His overall donations to the Labour Party and its candidates since 2004 amount to £947,032.
The scandal has prompted Labour to revise its policies on accepting donations.
Senior figures including Starmer, Angela Rayner, and Rachel Reeves have revealed that they will no longer accept such gifts.
The controversy continues to dominate headlines as Labour holds its first conference since forming government in July.
