Sir Keir Starmer was last night asked to ‘clean up’ on who he paid for a series of statement dresses worn by his wife Victoria.
As the ‘Wardrobegate’ backlash raged, the Tories said the Prime Minister “owes it to pensioners” to be honest about who funds the clothes.
No 10 refused to say that he had bought a number of Lady Starmer’s clothes, although he insisted that everything was declared as necessary.
Sir Keir said before the election that his wife “doesn’t want to put herself in the spotlight”, but has worn a number of designer dresses at high-profile events in recent weeks.
Some items were loaned to her, but No 10 yesterday refused to clarify whether the other clothes were part of a £5,000 gift of high-end clothes from Labor donor Lord Alli.
Sir Keir, who earns more than £166,000 a year as PM, was accused of failing to declare the donation on time by Lord Alli, the former chairman of online fashion retailer ASOS.
Sir Keir said before the election that his wife “doesn’t want to put herself in the spotlight”, but she has worn a number of designer dresses at high-profile events in recent weeks – Sir Keir pictured here with Lady Victoria after her general. electoral victory
Lord Alli, who was already at the center of a No 10 access scandal, also gave Sir Keir clothes and glasses worth around £18,000.
Last night, a Tory source said: “Labour should just be clear about who is paying for Lady Victoria’s clothes.
“They owe it to the millions of pensioners who have been left to choose between heating and food by Labor to be honest about their choices if the millionaire Starmers are going to get donors to pay for their clothes.
“We hope that every time the Starmers open their cupboard, they remember what’s inside could have warmed a pensioner’s house for a whole year.”
Yesterday, a Labor minister hit out as she was grilled over the row – insisting she did not have “an opinion” on whether Sir Keir should pay for her glasses.
The Tories said the Prime Minister “owes it to pensioners” to be honest about who is funding the outfits. The Prime Minister and his wife Victoria board a plane at Stansted Airport in Essex on their way to Washington DC to attend a NATO summit.
In a headline interview on Times Radio, Home Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said presenter Stig Abell would have to ask Sir Keir directly about the issue.
Dame Angela said the prime minister had been “transparent” and “the rules were clearly followed”, but when pressed she said she was “not responsible for the decisions the prime minister makes”.
Mr Abell asked: “Shouldn’t he buy his glasses? You wear a pair of glasses now you presumably pay for them yourself. I wear a pair of glasses now I pay for them yourself. Why shouldn’t the Prime Minister?”
But a furious Dame Angela replied: “Well, the Prime Minister has had his say on this, and next time you interview him, you can ask him yourself. I don’t have an opinion on what the PM is doing in these cases.
Lady Starmer’s clothing statement:
Lady in Red: Victoria is wearing a £1,200 red ‘Dada’ dress by Edeline Lee, worn to the Labor Party conference last October for her husband’s speech.
What the designer says: “It’s always just borrowed from the brand.”
What does number 10 say: No comments.
Winner: At No.10 after the election. Me+Em midi dress, £275, and Russell & Bromley ‘Snipped’ slingbacks, £275.
What the designers say: Me+Em: “The clothes weren’t borrowed.” Russell & Bromley: “I might have bought it.”
What does number 10 say: No comments.
Fashion points: Sandown Park Racecourse on July 6. Me+Em green flower print ‘Lantana’ maxi dress, £325.
What the designer says: “The clothes weren’t borrowed.”
What does number 10 say: No comments.
Visit to the White House: In Washington DC on July 9. Needle & Thread, white lace knit dress, £450.
What the designer says: “Our press office did not borrow the style so I believe Lady Starmer bought this dress.”
What does number 10 say: : No comments.
Spot difference: Front row at London Fashion Week on Monday. Edeline Lee polka dot trousers, blouse, white shoes and Edeline ‘Tammy’ navy jacket, £1,200.
What the designer says: “It’s always just borrowed from the brand.”
What does number 10 say: The items were borrowed.