RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch took a jab at Prime Minister Keir Starmer during Labour’s annual conference, poking fun at the ongoing controversy surrounding Starmer’s acceptance of more than £100,000 in gifts and hospitality. Starmer, who has received £107,145 in gifts since 2019, has faced scrutiny for his acceptance of items ranging from football tickets to high-end clothing.
During a panel discussion at the conference in Liverpool, Lynch humorously addressed the issue, saying, “There’s lots on the news this morning, and there were a lot of people making declarations about all of their interests… So I’ve got to make a public declaration: all of my clothes are from my wife. And she gives a full consultation with my personal designers: Marks and Spencers. On the table, everything is under £49.99.”
Lynch’s comments came in the wake of Starmer’s announcement that he, along with key Labour figures Rachel Reeves and Angela Rayner, would no longer accept clothing from donors. This move followed revelations that Lord Alli, the former chairman of fashion giant Asos, had provided Starmer and his wife with new outfits, accessories, and alterations, totalling £39,122.
The freebies scandal has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly in light of the government’s message on fiscal responsibility. While Starmer’s acceptance of luxury items, including football tickets and clothing, has drawn criticism, Lynch’s light-hearted remarks underscored the wider unease surrounding the situation.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham added to the criticism, telling Sky News that Labour is “definitely making the wrong choices” in accepting such gifts. “Labour needs to listen to what people are saying,” she said. “Good people who want Labour to do well are finding it, quite frankly, embarrassing.”
The controversy has put pressure on Starmer’s leadership, especially as the government continues to warn about the state of the UK’s finances while restricting benefits like winter fuel payments for pensioners.
Lynch also touched on another key issue during his panel appearance, warning that unions may be prepared to strike under the new Labour government if necessary. “Under previous Labour governments, NUR and Aslef members took on very heavy periods of industrial action to get what they needed from those governments… That will happen again in the future,” he said, signalling potential tension between Labour and the unions despite their historical ties.
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