Sir Keir Starmer has been slapped down by one of Labour’s most senior figures and told to stop trying to “justify” freebies. Baroness Harriet Harman told the Prime Minister “doubling down” is angering and alienating voters. Sir Keir has denied being “king of the freebies” amid a deepening political crisis over gifts.

Less than three months after he was elected on a promise to restore trust in politics, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is trying to shake off criticism over donations from a wealthy businessman and the hefty salary of his most senior aide.

When Keir Starmer entered 10 Downing Street as the UK’s new prime minister on July 5, the customary line-up of officials and aides was there to clap him in following the Labour Party’s resounding electoral success.

The NHS in Wales “desperately” needs reform, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said. Asked if Welsh Labour had run the health service well, he said “there are challenges… I’m not going to pretend to you otherwise”. His comments came on the day that waiting lists hit a record high in Wales for the sixth month in a row.

The Prime Minister has received more gifts and freebies than any other MP since he became Labour leader, it’s been revealed. A Sky News investigation found Sir Keir Starmer received two-and-a-half times more gifts and hospitality than the MP in second place, according to their research which tracks how money flows through the UK political system.

Welsh Labour promised to “eliminate the use of private sector hospitals in Wales" but the PM is open to it to bring down waiting lists. | ITV News Wales

Sir Keir Starmer initially failed to disclose he received £16,200 of free clothing from Labour donor Lord Waheed Alli, in a move that risks fuelling the controversy around the prime minister’s acceptance of freebies.

Baroness Harman became the first senior party figure to publicly criticise the Prime Minister in the growing storm over his acceptance of more than £100,000 worth of gifts and hospitality.

Sir Keir Starmer has come under scrutiny over the past week for the more than £100,000-worth of gifts he has accepted.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said he has “no problem” with ministers getting a “chance for a little bit of relaxation” as part of their jobs.