A recent donation by Lord Alli, a prominent Labour peer, has sparked controversy and raised questions about potential cronyism within the party. The television mogul and successful businessman contributed £10,000 to the Beckenham and Penge constituency party of Liam Conlon, son of Sue Gray, the Prime Minister's chief of staff, in January 2024.
This donation, made six months before Conlon's successful election in July 2024, has drawn attention due to Lord Alli's subsequent acquisition of a security pass granting unrestricted access to Downing Street. Such passes are typically reserved for staff and residents, making this an unusual arrangement.
Pat McFadden, the Duchy of Lancaster, addressed the issue, stating that Lord Alli's pass was temporary and no longer active. However, the circumstances surrounding its authorization remain unclear, with Downing Street declining to provide details.
"Such passes, though issued by the Downing Street security team, were, under their watch, signed off by either the Prime Minister, their parliamentary private secretary or by the chief of staff."
Lord Alli's influence within the Labour Party has grown significantly under Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. As chair of the party's fundraising efforts, he has played a crucial role in Labour's financial advantage over the Conservatives in the lead-up to the election.
Lord Alli, 59, has a remarkable career spanning television, fashion, and publishing. He gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s through his production company, which created popular shows like "The Word" and "The Big Breakfast." In 1998, he became the youngest and first openly gay peer in Parliament at age 34, appointed by his long-time friend and ally, Sir Tony Blair.
Beyond his political and business achievements, Lord Alli has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He played a key role in the campaign to repeal Section 28 and is one of the few openly gay Muslim politicians globally. His portrait is featured in the National Portrait Gallery, recognizing his contributions to British society.
Lord Alli's donations extend beyond constituency parties. He has provided substantial support to key Labour figures, including Sir Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner, David Lammy, and Bridget Phillipson. These contributions, along with his close relationship with party leadership, have solidified his position as a significant player in Labour's political landscape.
While Labour maintains that Lord Alli's Downing Street access was within the rules and temporary, the situation has raised concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest. As the party prepares for potential governance, scrutiny of its financial backers and their influence is likely to intensify.