Starmer's Decision
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is off the hook for her Ibiza DJ experience that was valued at £836, as Sir Keir Starmer has announced that Cabinet Ministers can keep their post-election freebies without having to repay them.
Starmer's Stance
Sir Keir Starmer set the precedent by personally repaying £6,000 worth of gifts and hospitality to address concerns over donations. However, he made it clear that this was his own choice and he does not expect others to follow suit.
Transparency in Donations
In a bid for transparency, the Prime Minister stated that new principles will be established to govern the acceptance of donations. Until then, he took the initiative to repay the gifts he received, emphasizing that it was a personal decision.
Gifts and Hospitality
The revelation came after it was disclosed that Cabinet members had accepted over £11,000 in freebies since their appointments in July. Angela Rayner, for instance, was treated to a visit to a DJ booth in Ibiza, courtesy of management company Ayita LCC.
Other Instances
Other Cabinet members, such as Treasury Minister Darren Jones and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, also enjoyed various gifts, including Taylor Swift tickets and Wimbledon tickets, raising questions about transparency and ethical standards.
New Code of Conduct
To address concerns about ministerial conduct, Number 10 is set to unveil a new code of conduct that will impose stricter regulations on receiving donations, potentially being released in the coming days.
