Speaking to Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby, the prime minister said he had “promised” his family they would be protected from the disturbances of the election. After the campaign began, Sir Keir said he wanted to find a way for his son to study without disturbances.
Wednesday 25 September 2024 20:05, UK
10:50
PM defends taking £20k GCSE donation
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Sir Keir Starmer accepted a £20,000 donation for the use of a flat during the election after promising his family he would protect them.
The prime minister‘s register of interests shows a declaration for accommodation provided by Lord Waheed Alli to the value of £20,437.28 from 29 May to 13 July this year. The election was called on 22 May.
Sir Keir said in a Sky News interview on Wednesday he had “promised” his 16-year-old son he could get to his school and sit his exams without being disturbed.
The prime minister said he had made a pledge to his wife, son and daughter that he would “protect them”.
Sir Keir told political editor Beth Rigby that when the election was called ahead of the exam period, it meant there were “a lot of journalists” and also protesters “outside my front door”.
At this point the Labour leader told his son, who is 16, they would find somewhere he could “just study and get to school and back without having to go through all of that”.
Sir Keir says it was after this that “someone” offered to make a flat “available” for the junior Starmer – but claimed “no money exchanged hands”.
“I wasn’t going to let my son fail or not do well in his GCSEs because of journalists outside the front door”, the father of two added.