ANDREW NEIL: Turns out Labour’s just as sleazy as the Tories, maybe even worse. No wonder the populist parties are on the march
ANDREW NEIL: Labour’s sleaze matches Tory standards, perhaps exceeding them
The 2024 Labour manifesto declared that ‘corruption and controversy’ had defined the Tory era, claiming they had ‘undermined public trust’ in political institutions. Starmer, a prominent legal figure known for his emphasis on ethical conduct, was expected to lead a different approach, promising to prioritize the nation’s welfare through a ‘comprehensive reform’ of public affairs.
Despite the lofty pledges, Labour’s early actions suggested otherwise. Soon after the election, Starmer and other senior figures, including his Chancellor Rachel Reeves, were seen endorsing Tory misdeeds while quietly receiving generous donations from affluent backers. These gifts included designer eyewear, tailored suits, upscale lodging, and premium tickets to events like Arsenal matches and Taylor Swift concerts.
Waheed Alli, a Blair-era Labour peer, exemplified this trend. His substantial contributions earned him exclusive access to 10 Downing Street and a say in selecting advisors, revealing a system where influence was exchanged for privilege. Such revelations embarrassed a government eager to project fiscal discipline after years of perceived recklessness from the Tories, though it was framed as a learning curve for inexperienced newcomers.
However, the pattern persisted. Tulip Siddiq, the anti-corruption minister, faced scrutiny after a family scandal in Bangladesh led to her resignation, with an absentee sentence looming. Similarly, Angela Rayner, who also served as deputy prime minister, stepped down due to unpaid property taxes, while Rushanara Ali, the minister for the homeless, left office after raising rents by £700, exacerbating the very crisis she was meant to address.
More recently, Louise Haigh, the Transport Secretary, resigned just five months into her tenure after failing to disclose a 2013 fraud conviction tied to a lost work phone. Josh Simons, the Cabinet Office minister, followed suit, having orchestrated a ‘dirty dossier’ to discredit journalists investigating Labour Together, his former think-tank. His resignation coincided with global attention on US-Israeli tensions, showcasing the party’s ability to manage timing for strategic silence.
Labour’s crusade against sleaze and scandal, we were assured, was still intact. Except that it wasn’t.
Peter Mandelson, a key figure in Labour’s inner circle, added to the narrative when he was removed as US ambassador by his friend Sir Keir. His downfall stemmed from a revelation that underscored the party’s entanglements, proving that even trusted allies could falter under scrutiny.
