Team Starmer Meets at Lord Alli's Soho Townhouse

In the lead-up to the general election, Sir Keir Starmer's team utilized a luxury Soho townhouse owned by Labour peer Lord Alli for strategy meetings. This property, valued at £4 million, was one of three properties provided by Alli for the party's use. Notable figures, including Pat McFadden and Lord Livermore, attended these meetings, while Sue Gray, Starmer's chief of staff, held separate gatherings there. The arrangement has raised questions about the transparency of donations and the potential implications for Starmer's leadership. The first property, a £18 million penthouse in Covent Garden, was used by Starmer and his family during the campaign, allowing his son to focus on his GCSE studies. Additionally, a £2 million apartment in Manhattan was made available for Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, for a holiday last year. The use of these properties has sparked scrutiny regarding whether Starmer and Rayner adequately declared the benefits received from Alli. Despite the growing concerns, Starmer maintains that he has adhered to the rules regarding declarations of interest. However, the situation has led to increased scrutiny of his relationship with Alli, particularly after it was revealed that Alli had access to No 10 shortly after the election. The controversy surrounding the donations and gifts from Alli has implications for the party's integrity and public perception. As the Labour Party navigates these challenges, the focus remains on the ethical considerations of accepting such support and the potential impact on Starmer's leadership and the party's future.