The Conservatives have today [7 November] written to the
Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards, asking him to
investigate the Prime Minister for potential breaches of the
Ministerial Code.
The Prime Minister wrote to Culture Secretary last night about her failure to
declare a clear conflict of interest in the appointment of Labour
donor David Kogan as the chair of the new Independent Football
Regulator. Kogan had donated to Nandy's campaign for the Labour
leadership in 2020.
Starmer excused Nandy for this serious failure, welcoming the
fact she recused herself from the appointments process when the
‘perception of a conflict of interest' became clear. But Kogan
also secretly donated to Starmer's leadership campaign at the
same time as to Nandy, and recently helped bankroll Starmer's
2024 election campaign in his constituency.
Yet Starmer did not recuse himself from the appointments process
- and nor did he recuse himself from judgement on Nandy's failure
to declare her conflict of interest.
In fact, we now know No10 was heavily involved in the appointment
of Mr Kogan. And we also know Starmer accepts extensive
hospitality from the football industry – a further reason not to
involve himself in matters relating to football policy and
regulation.
The Ministerial Code has clear requirements on declaring
conflicts of interest, intended to and uphold the highest
standards of propriety and ethics in public life - standards the
Prime Minister has fallen well short of.
MP, Shadow Chancellor of the
Duchy of Lancaster, said:
“This week let off the hook for her failure to
declare a clear conflict of interest when she appointed David
Kogan – one of her donors - as head of the new football
regulator.
“Starmer has the exact same conflict, having also secretly taken
Kogan's cash. Yet whereas Nandy eventually recused herself from
matters relating to the regulator's leadership, Starmer has not
done so. In fact, it seems he may even have driven the
appointment.
“The whole thing stinks, and Labour are scrambling to cover it up
now we have shone light on it. The appointment of David Kogan
must be immediately withdrawn, and the Independent Adviser must
investigate Starmer and, if he has breached the Ministerial Code,
take appropriate action.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
A copy of the letter is attached.
