Lady Starmer dismisses freebie dress controversy
Lady Victoria Starmer shrugged off accusations of accepting free dresses by donning a designer outfit on loan at London Fashion Week. The Prime Minister's wife was spotted in the front row at Edeline Lee's show in Westminster, dressed in a four-figure ensemble by the British designer.
Political backlash over undisclosed designer outfits
While Lady Starmer made a fashionable statement, her husband, Sir Keir Starmer, faced backlash for not disclosing over £5,000 worth of designer outfits gifted to his wife by Labour peer Lord Alli. This comes in the wake of the PM criticizing Boris Johnson for receiving wallpaper from a party donor and accepting more than £20,000 in clothing and glasses from the same source.
Defending his actions
Sir Keir defended himself, stating that MPs are entitled to certain perks, like tickets to watch Arsenal matches. He emphasized the importance of declaring gifts over a certain amount to maintain transparency. Responding to comparisons with US politicians receiving a clothing budget, he asserted that such expenses should not come at taxpayers' expense.
Challenges faced by politicians
Despite the rules in place, Sir Keir acknowledged the complexities of navigating gifts and hospitality. As a dedicated Arsenal fan, he highlighted the security concerns that prevent him from enjoying matches from the stands if he does not accept gifts of hospitality.
Celebrity appearance at London Fashion Week
Arsenal's star midfielder, Declan Rice, also made an appearance at London Fashion Week, strutting down the catwalk at the Emirates Stadium in a separate event, adding a touch of glamour to the sports arena.
