to believe Lady Starmer should pay for her own clothes and personal stylists?

@PandoraSox ”Raynor did everything properly}? In WHAT world? She shouted abuse at Matt Handcock in the House of Commons. Whilst yes he was an absolute dumb ass sleaze ball, yelling about the morals of an affair whilst having one yourself frankly takes the fucking biscuit. She scammed the system for CGT, which her party are now going to ramp up and she benefited massively from right to buy which she now claims is the devil in Tory blue clothes. And she’s taking multiple thousands from “donors”? She is a hypocrite, same as the rest of them.

https://members.parliament.uk/member/5091/registeredinterests

I voted Labour and I think it’s disappointing. I think it shows a real lack of political nous which is concerning.
I did notice that Lady S was never in the same dress twice but I assumed she was renting, or that Me + Em were courting her as a customer and that was why they were suddenly making so many red dresses.
But overall it leaves a sour taste. They’re going to have to up their game, especially as hard times are a-coming.

In fairness, Farage’s party have put in their ‘contract with the people’ that they would raise the tax free allowance to around £20,000. I’m assuming that would put money into the pockets of the people. They do want to cancel the short-term climate goals so we stop impoverishing the country. I’d quite like to see a bit more of my money and have a bit more put into the British Economy.

However, I imagine that just like the Tories and Labour, Farage and Reform would likely show themselves to be just like every other self-serving politician and be a huge disappointment to their voters. But right now we don’t know and I can see why plenty of voters will be turning to them in desperation.

Literally couldn’t care less. They are on the world stage being scrutinized for their clothes constantly. If I was his wife I would want a little help too. Its a drop in the ocean fro one of the most high pressure jobs in the world in comparison to the pay.

I understand why people vote for smaller parties where politicians are still guided by values and a desire for change, rather than a desire to win at the game of politics

Mmm. Not all small parties are any better. Look at Farage.

First reply nailed it. Every single one of them manipulating the population to vote for them so they can get their noses further into the trough. I understand why people vote for smaller parties where politicians are still guided by values and a desire for change, rather than a desire to win at the game of politics. I don't think I could hate anyone worse than the Tories but imagine convincing yourself that your wife needs thousands of pounds worth of free fancy clothes while other people just beyond pension credit limits are ok to go without heating, or that education should be taxed so only the true elite can pay for independent schools while the remainder are treated to a third of a teacher extra in their school to compensate for an influx of sen kids and larger class sizes. I could stomach the latter better from people who didn't believe they personally are owed a life of comfort and privilege.

Yes I agree.

Rayner did everything properly, so can't really be singled out for criticism.

Starmer fucked up by not declaring the donation. He has handed his opponents a massive stick to beat him with and has put his wife into the firing line too. I feel a bit sorry for her.

Sir Keir and Lady Starmer due to his knighthood. She would only be Lady Vic if her father were an Earl and it is exceptionally crass to call herself Lady Vic, if in fact she does.

How does this come about? What is the conversation behind buying someone £20k of clothes??

Donor: You ok? You’re looking a bit down…
Mrs S: <sigh> It’s just this dress is a bit old and I’ve worn it before. It’s so difficult to dress properly what with being the Prime Minister’s wife and all…
Donor: Oh that’s a shame. Why don’t I pay for a personal shopper for you? You can treat yourself to some new clobber?
Mrs S: Oh I couldn’t, could I?
Donor: Of course! My treat!! Can’t imagine there would be any issues…
Mrs S: Oh super! £20k be ok?
Donor: Not a penny over, mind..
Both: <Fits of guffawing>

Well no, but 35/40 years ago DH had political ambition. By the time he was ready to apply for a safe seat, his earnings had escalated and he wasn't so power hungry that he was prepared to compromise his earnings to become an MP - even if he had made Minister.

At least Rishi never needed the money!

The slightly comical aspect is that Keir probably needs all the help he can get to suave up (although I wouldn't kick him out of bed for his looks - the voice on the other hand - nails on a blackboard are marginally sexier) whereas Victoria would look good in a belted bin liner!

Oh yes I agree, except that they did say they’d be different….

If you are going to take the moral high ground, it’s best to be whiter than white yourself in your conduct. And to give Angela her credit, she did at least declare everything in the appropriate timeframe, which Starmer failed to do

That’s a pretty feeble bit of defence of Starmer‘s supermarket sweep-style trolly dash in the opticians and the gents outfitters.

Even Carrie Johnson, despite having dodgy taste in wallpaper wore a lot of hired dresses.

He was knighted, as Director of Public Prosecutions, so she is Lady Starmer. She doesn't have to use the title privately, but it will be used at formal functions.

To be fair she is doing nothing that every MP does. For example Jenrick received £35k from a single donor in April.

https://members.parliament.uk/member/4320/registeredinterests

That doesn't mean I agree with MPs being paid wads of cash or freebies. It should stop for them all.

It’s all in the register of members interests

https://members.parliament.uk/member/4356/registeredinterests

Also I don’t get why she calls herself ‘Lady’ Vic. She is a solicitor turned NHS worker. Which is obviously a really good career but she doesn’t have her own title. If your partner gets a title on merit surely you don’t share it too? Or am I mistaken?

Which is, of course, why I said ‘quite a lot’. Yes, once can spend more, but equally one can spend less. And if one’s spending one’s own money that’s absolutely fine. Though of course spending other people’s money is easier 😂

And it has to be said that there is a tendency for the left to be quite good at spending other people’s money ;)

Is there any evidence of this? Like a link perhaps?

@RosesAndHellebores yes it absolutely does add up. Difference being I assume you or your dh were paying for the stuff you bought? With money you had earned and paid tax on? No wealthy benefactor in the background whilst you were making enormous financial decisions for “ working people”?

@Tryingtokeepgoing has she? Why am I NOT surprised? WHEN are we ever going to get anyone in leadership with an ounce of integrity?

She’s had £21k from the same Labour donor, so I think it’s fair to assume yes!

Angela Raymer has been dressing nicely lately. Does she also get gifts?

Is it? I have a complex prescription and recently spent £1200 on varifocals, specs and a pair of sunglasses. DH has spent £3k on a suit before now. I can see how it adds up.