September 22nd 2024.
Angela Rayner had a conversation with journalist Laura Kuenssberg before giving her speech at the Labour conference this morning. The topic of discussion was her recent holiday to New York with her friend and former MP, Sam Tarry. There were allegations that she had violated parliamentary rules by staying in a luxurious apartment provided by Lord Waheed Alli.
According to reports, the apartment in Manhattan was worth millions of dollars and the estimated cost of staying there for five days was £1,250, as stated in Rayner's register of interests. During her appearance on Laura Kuenssberg's BBC show, she was questioned about not declaring Tarry's stay in the accommodation. In response, Rayner clarified that she had paid for her own holiday but Tarry had generously offered her a place to stay. She also added that she often does the same for her friends.
Rayner defended herself against the criticism, stating that she had gone above and beyond the rules by publicly declaring the stay in her register of interests. She emphasized that the holiday was a personal one and did not involve any parliamentary activity. She also pointed out that Lord Alli had made political donations to her as deputy leader, which is why it was important for her to officially register the stay.
When pressed further about potentially breaking the rules by staying with Tarry, Rayner firmly stated that she did not believe she had done anything wrong. She had disclosed the use of the apartment and that was the extent of it. It was also revealed that Rayner and Tarry had previously been in a relationship, but it had ended last year. She clarified that Tarry had not traveled with her to New York, but they had met up with a larger group of friends upon arrival.
Lord Alli, who has been under scrutiny for giving gifts to members of the Labour Party, was described by Rayner as a personal friend. These gifts have caused controversy, especially for Prime Minister Keir Starmer who accepted expensive suits and glasses from the TV mogul. As a result, it was announced that Rayner, Starmer, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves would no longer accept donations for clothing.
The issue of gifts and possible rule-breaking has caused tension within the Labour Party, especially as they begin their four-day conference in Liverpool. This is the first time in 15 years that the party is holding such a gathering while in power, but it is being overshadowed by anger over the gifts and the government's decision to cut the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners. Despite this, Rayner is scheduled to address the conference later this morning, followed by speeches from Reeves and Starmer on Monday and Tuesday respectively.
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