SIR Keir Starmer has paid back six Taylor Swift tickets worth thousands of pounds in a bid salvage his reputation amid a growing scandal over ministerial freebies.
The PM is also covering the cost of four tickets to the races and a clothing rental agreement with a high-end designer favoured by his wife Lady Victoria.
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The move is seen as an attempt to reset his image after weeks of criticism regarding the government’s close ties with wealthy donors.
The PM and members of his Cabinet, including Rachel Reeves and Angela Rayner, have faced serious backlash for accepting thousands of pounds worth of freebies despite promises to “clean up” politics.
The Prime Minister has announced he has commissioned a new set of principles on gifts and hospitality to be published as part of the updated ministerial code
Speaking during a visit to Brussels, he said: “We came in as a government of change, we are now going to bring forward principles for donations.
“Because until now politicians have used their best individual judgement on a case-by-case basis.
“I think we need some principles of general application so I took the decision until the principles are in place, it was right for me to make those repayments.”
Before the publication of the new code, Downing Street said the PM had paid for the gifts and hospitality, and that the details will appear in the next register of members’ interests.
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.”
The gifts, all received since Sir Keir entered No10, include four Taylor Swift tickets from Universal Music Group totalling £2,800, two from the Football Association at a cost of £598, and four to Doncaster Races from Arena Racing Corporation at £1,939.
An £839 clothing rental agreement with Canadian British designer Edeline Lee, recently worn by his wife to London Fashion Week, along with one hour of hair and makeup, was also covered by the PM.
Criticism over the PM’s perks and the decision to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners has affected Sir Keir’s popularity.
A poll by think-tank More in Common put his approval rating at -27, a fall of 38 points since July.
Former PM Rishi Sunak was at -28 when he called the election in May.
Director Luke Tryl said: “After some tough headlines the Starmer slide in approval has continued.”
