The Conservative Party is now demanding a Labour Together support investigation. Consequently, they have formally asked Parliament’s standards commissioner to examine the matter. Specifically, they allege Prime Minister Keir Starmer improperly benefited from the think tank’s resources. This occurred during his successful 2020 campaign for the Labour leadership.
Moreover, Tory Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake detailed these allegations in a letter. He claims new information suggests significant support was given. For instance, he cites a book titled “Get In” by Times journalists. The book reportedly describes how Labour Together provided polling, messaging, and speechwriting help. Crucially, Sir Keir’s campaign was run by Morgan McSweeney. McSweeney was then the director of Labour Together. He is now the Prime Minister’s chief of staff.
However, Sir Keir’s register of interests listed support from individual backers. But it did not declare any “donations in kind” from Labour Together as an organization. Therefore, Hollinrake argues this omission is serious. He claims the situation has “all the hallmarks of yet another Downing Street cover up”. Furthermore, he is urging the Prime Minister to “come clean and be transparent”. This call for a Labour Together support investigation adds to existing scrutiny.
Additionally, the think tank itself has a history with election regulators. Previously, the Electoral Commission fined Labour Together £14,250. This penalty was for its handling of nearly £740,000 in donations back in 2021. Recently, alleged leaked emails have surfaced. These emails supposedly show McSweeney sought to mislead the commission. Consequently, the Conservatives have also asked the Electoral Commission to review this new information.
Nevertheless, Labour sources strongly deny any wrongdoing. A party source stated that neither Keir nor his campaign accepted donations from the group. They emphasized that everything was declared properly. Similarly, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook dismissed the complaint. He called it “yet more mudslinging” from a desperate Conservative Party. Also, he predicted any investigation would be short. He believes it will confirm all rules were followed.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission confirmed it is considering the Tory party’s information. It will respond in due course. A spokesman for Labour Together addressed the past fine. He noted the organization proactively raised concerns about its own reporting. The investigation concluded in 2021. He also stated that the group is now fully compliant with all regulations.
Ultimately, the standards commissioner must decide whether to launch a formal inquiry. This decision will determine the next steps for the Labour Together support investigation. The political spotlight remains firmly on these allegations. The public now awaits the commissioner’s response.
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