Former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the recent clothes donation controversy.
Speaking on GB News, MacKenzie declared, "He is already extremely unpopular and he is going to become even more unpopular".
The outspoken commentator criticised Starmer's inability to purchase his wife's clothing, despite the couple's combined annual income of approximately £200,000.
MacKenzie predicted dire consequences for Labour, stating, "We have October 30th [Budget Day] coming up, and I can't think of how shocking shape Labour will be in".
Kelvin MacKenzie hit out at Keir Starmer
PA / GB NEWS
He added that Labour's recent actions have "reminded everyone of why the Tories were in power for 14 years".
The controversy stems from allegations that Starmer failed to declare donations of clothing and a personal shopper for his wife Victoria within the required 28-day timeframe. These gifts, provided by prominent Labour donor Lord Alli, included clothes and alterations both before and after Labour's election win in July.
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The Prime Minister has been reported to the parliamentary standards watchdog over the late declarations. Starmer's team sought advice on what should be declared and subsequently made the relevant declarations, but only after approaching parliamentary authorities for updated guidance.
The Conservatives have called for a full investigation into what they term a "scandal", citing it as another instance of the Prime Minister failing to abide by parliamentary rules.
Kelvin MacKenzie joined Patrick Christys on GB News
GB NEWS
Starmer has defended himself against the accusations, insisting that "rules are being followed" regarding the declarations. Speaking to reporters, he emphasised the importance of transparency, stating, "It's very important that we have transparency, very important that you and others can see the rules are being followed".
The Prime Minister explained that his team had proactively sought advice on what declarations should be made, reaching out twice to ensure compliance with the rules.
Starmer also dismissed suggestions of a taxpayer-funded wardrobe, saying, "I certainly don't think we should have a budget for it at taxpayers' expense".
Labour MP Paul Waugh defended the Prime Minister and his wife on BBC's Politics Live. He argued that Victoria Starmer, who works for the NHS, "needed a bit of extra help" in her role as the PM's spouse.
Sir Keir Starmer has promised to build a "government of service"
PAWaugh emphasised Starmer's transparency, stating, "The Prime Minister was being extra scrupulous in going back and looking at the records".
However, Conservative MP Andrew Griffith criticised the situation, saying, "It beggars belief that the Prime Minister thinks it's acceptable that pensioners on £13,000 a year can afford to heat their home when he earns 12 times that but apparently can't afford to clothe himself or his wife".
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also weighed in, asserting that "donations are always declared in the proper way".
