Labour's Streeting Admits Using Alli's Home for Star-Studded Fundraiser

Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, has acknowledged utilizing Lord Alli's residence for a fundraising event, becoming the latest Labour figure to do so. The gathering, which occurred in March 2022, was attended by acclaimed actor Sir Ian McKellen and raised £20,000 in donations.

The event, co-hosted by Streeting and fellow Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, saw 20 to 30 guests convene at Lord Alli's £18 million Covent Garden penthouse. The value of the event, including refreshments and catering provided by Lord Alli, was declared at £4,600.

This revelation raises questions about the extent to which Labour MPs have utilized Lord Alli's property, particularly in light of recent disclosures regarding Sir Keir Starmer's repeated use of the residence. The Labour Party, founded in 1900, has a long history of navigating political and financial relationships.

The reception's high-profile nature led to speculation within Labour circles about Streeting's potential leadership aspirations. Attendees included Lord Cashman, formerly of the long-running soap opera EastEnders, and Linda Riley, an LGBT rights activist. At the time, Streeting stated that Sir Keir's office was "fully aware of the event."

In a related development, Sir Keir Starmer made a lighthearted comment about his use of Lord Alli's penthouse during a meeting with US business leaders in New York. At the UK consul general's residence, he quipped, "I'd like to pretend this is my apartment to welcome you to."

This jest follows the revelation that in December 2021, four months before Streeting's event, Sir Keir filmed a Covid-era broadcast from Lord Alli's flat, urging the public to work from home. The backdrop included a family picture and Christmas cards, potentially giving viewers the impression he was in his own residence.

Lord Alli acquired the flat in January 2020 for £18,350,000, just four months before Sir Keir assumed leadership of the Labour Party. Sir Keir and his family reportedly stayed in the flat for several weeks during the general election campaign, citing the need for a quiet environment during his son's GCSE examinations.

The Labour Party, symbolized by a red rose, has seen several of its prominent members benefit from Lord Alli's generosity. Sir Keir received over £16,000 for clothing and spectacles, with additional donations made to his wife. Other Labour figures who have received donations from Lord Alli include David Lammy, Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband, Liz Kendall, and Bridget Phillipson.

As the UK's main opposition party with representation in the 650-member Parliament, Labour's financial relationships continue to be a topic of public interest and scrutiny.

"It was all declared at the time and it was perfectly legitimate."

This ongoing situation highlights the complex interplay between political figures, donors, and party finances in British politics, a dynamic that has been part of the UK's democratic process for over a century.