Lord Waheed Alli, a television executive recognised for his contribution to the media industry who has donated more than £500,000 to Labour over the last twenty years, has had to surrender his access pass to Number 10.
Access Pass Granted
Despite not having an official government role, Alli had been given a pass permitting him access to Downing Street.
Alli Enobled in 1998
Lord Alli has always had ties in politics after being ennobled by Tony Blair in 1998 to try and modernise the Labour Party by including persons from diverse backgrounds with apt expertise.
Appointed to Signify Diversity and Inclusivity
Alli is openly gay and of South Asian descent, and his appointment to the House of Lords was impactful because it reflected Blair’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the government at the time.
Alli Attended Political Meetings
He is known for his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and media-related issues. Labour has said he attended a few political meetings with no civil servants while emphasising that he gave back his pass at the end of July.
Having the Pass Was ”Within the Rules”
However, a government source has spoken out, saying Alli’s possession of a pass was “entirely within the rules and not unusual.”
“ It’s Not Unusual”
In addition, cabinet minister Pat Mc Fadden told Sky News, “I don’t think it’s unusual for people to have passes to attend political meetings if they need to do so.”
Alli Has Donated £100,000 to Starmer
According to Sky News’ analysis of the Westminister Accounts, Alli led fundraising for Labour and donated individually, including £100,000 to Sir Keir Starmer, for his Labour leadership campaign in 2020.
Lord Alli Was Hired by Starmer in 2022
He also worked for Starmer in 2022 after being hired as the party’s chief fundraiser for the general election, which led people to question his true motives for being hired.
Garden Reception Held by Lord Alli
A No.10 source confirmed that Lord Alli had held a garden reception when he possessed the pass, but they declined to comment on the specifics of why he had one and why he gave it up. There is no legal reason for him not to have one.
Conservatives Accused Labour of ”Cronyism”
The Conservatives had accused Labour of “cronyism” after a report by the Sunday Times was released stipulating that he shouldn’t have had a pass just for his donations as he had no official government role.
“Disappointing ” Views on Labour
The shadow paymaster general, John Glen, said, “It is disappointing to see Labour only attempting to act on their culture of cronyism after feeling the pressure in the media.”
Labour to Come Clean
He also said, “It’s time Labour came clean on all the people they’ve parachuted into top civil service jobs and the donors they’ve returned favours to so the independence and integrity of the civil service is maintained.”
McFadden Said He Doesn’t Have the Pass Now
But McFadden replied, “I don’t think he’s got the pass now, but he may have had one in the past.”
Those in Power Should Serve as an Example
The shadow security minister and Tory leadership candidate, Tom Tugendhat, has voiced his disapproval, stating that “All politicians have a duty to uphold the standards and behaviours expected of those who hold the highest government offices. Those in power should never put their own self-interest and political games over the people they serve.”
Issue Arisen After Another Donor Hired
This issue has emerged following the recent appointment of Labour donor Ian Corfield to a civil service position in the Treasury, which was put before Chancellor Rachel Reeves for questioning.
Corfield Given a ”Temporary” Job
Corfield was given a temporary job organising an international investment summit in October after donating £20,000 to Labour MPs and £5,000 to Reeves last year.
“Time Limited Jobs” Treated Differently
Civil service sources have told BBC that “hundreds” of officials are hired through a post-election “exceptions” process, whereby the hiring process is treated differently.
Labour Defends Appointment
Labour has defended the appointment, saying it’s “perfectly appropriate,” but shadow Treasury minister Laura Trott has since called it a “clear conflict” and urged an investigation.
The British People Want Answers
The people of Britain want answers about these hiring processes and access grants, with Tugendhat saying, “It is time to reset our relationship with the British people and rebuild the trust lost to their type of sleaze and dishonesty, which is rotting our politics to its core. That demands leadership, something Sir Keir seems to lack.”
The Great Escape: Wealthy Brits Flee to Dodge Labour Taxes
As the UK prepares for potential tax reforms, the wealthy flee in droves to avoid paying their fair share, sparking a contentious debate over tax avoidance and economic unfairness. Here’s the full story. The Great Escape: Wealthy Brits Flee to Dodge Labour Taxes
20 Signs Millennials Are Rejecting the UK’s Woke Culture
Are Millennials across the UK starting to question the pervasive ‘woke’ culture? As they navigate an increasingly complex social and economic landscape, many are seeking more practical, nuanced approaches. 20 Signs Millennials Are Rejecting the UK’s Woke Culture
New Era: Labour Enforces Strict Immigration Control With Deportations and Convictions
More than 40 criminals and migrants are sent back to Vietnam and Timor-Leste. It’s a victory as a UK-based criminal gang is sentenced. Here’s the story. New Era: Labour Enforces Strict Immigration Control With Deportations and Convictions
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wanderscot.