Bridget Phillipson, Labour's Education Secretary, has acknowledged receiving £14,000 from Lord Waheed Alli, a prominent Labour donor. The funds were utilized for organizing several events, including a celebration marking her 40th birthday.
During a Sky News interview, Phillipson confirmed that part of the donation funded a birthday event in December at the Hoare Memorial Hall, a venue in Church House, Westminster, known for its views of Westminster Abbey. This revelation comes as Labour faces scrutiny over clothing donations accepted by senior party members, including Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner.
Phillipson defended the donations, stating, "I received that money from Waheed Alli, a longstanding Labour peer. It was used to fund two events, all of which was declared properly and thoroughly." She emphasized the professional nature of these gatherings, which included journalists, trade unionists, education professionals, MPs, and shadow cabinet members.
The Education Secretary insisted on the work-related context of these events, distinguishing them from personal celebrations. She noted that her family did not attend, and she celebrated her actual birthday separately with a pizza outing.
"This is where I got together colleagues, journalists actually, trade union people – it was in a very different context. Waheed has been a Labour peer for over 25 years. This is fully transparent… This was an opportunity for people to come together so we can have an example where we can, for example, talk about issues around education."
In response to potential comparisons with Conservative politicians, Phillipson maintained that such events occur "regularly" and have been declared in accordance with the rules.
Amidst the controversy, Sir Keir, Rayner, and Rachel Reeves have decided to cease accepting clothing donations. An analysis by The Telegraph revealed that the Cabinet has accepted over £800,000 in donations and freebies this year.
It's worth noting that Lord Alli, who became the youngest and first openly gay peer in Parliament in 1998, has not commented on recent reports about his donations. There is no suggestion of any rule violations on his part.
This situation unfolds as the Labour Party, founded in 1900, prepares for its conference in Liverpool, a major city in northwest England. The controversy threatens to overshadow the event, highlighting the complex relationship between political parties, donors, and transparency in British politics.