Tuesday, July 14, 2026

UK PM Starmer returns £6,000 in gifts amid public criticisms

This move comes after weeks of mounting scrutiny and criticisms aimed at Mr Starmer and his cabinet for their indulgence in luxuries provided by affluent benefactors.

• October 3, 2024
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer[Credit: The Hill]

Amid criticisms surrounding his acceptance of lavish donations, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has returned over £6,000 worth of gifts and hospitality received since assuming office.

Mr Starmer’s reimbursed gifts comprise four Taylor Swift tickets from Universal Music Group valued at £2,800, two tickets from the Football Association costing £598, and four tickets to Doncaster Races from Arena Racing Corporation, totalling £1,939.

He also paid an £839 clothing rental fee, which included one hour of hair and makeup services.

This move comes after weeks of mounting scrutiny and criticisms aimed at Mr Starmer and his cabinet for their indulgence in luxuries provided by affluent benefactors.

During his visit to Brussels for discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Mr Starmer defended his actions, asserting it was “right” to reimburse the costs of the gifts.

To enhance transparency, a Downing Street spokesperson said, “The prime minister has commissioned a new set of principles on gifts and hospitality to be published as part of the updated ministerial code.

“Ahead of the publication of the new code, the prime minister has paid for several entries on his own register. This will appear in the next register of members’ interests.”

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Sport

Tension over Argentina, England World Cup semi-final showdown

England reached the semifinals after defeating Norway 2–1 in the quarterfinals, inspired by Bellingham’s outstanding form.

States

NYSC DG visits Kogi, promises corps members of improved welfare

Mrs Chris-Moneke commended the continuous support of the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters and the Kogi State Government.

House of Representatives

NationWide

Reps drop own state police bill for Tinubu-backed proposal

The proposed legislation was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative consideration.

Armed policemen

States

Four suspects arrested for alleged armed robbery, cultism in Delta

The CP assured that the command would ensure the protection of lives and property throughout the state.