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This summer, Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras tour swept through the UK, captivating fans who spent countless hours trying to secure the coveted tickets. For most, it was an arduous task, with demand far outstripping supply. Yet for a select group of Labour MPs, including seven cabinet ministers, the process was much smoother.

 

 

In total, 14 Labour politicians, including Sir Keir Starmer, received free tickets, some with high-end hospitality packages, collectively worth £23,328. Even the Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, was given a pair of tickets.

 

Labour MPs defended their decision to accept the freebies, pointing out that they had properly declared them. Starmer, now both the opposition leader and prime minister, accepted ten tickets and attended two of the concerts, where he had a brief meeting with Swift and her mother, Andrea, on one occasion.

 

Meanwhile, Sadiq Khan, London's mayor, has come under scrutiny for underreporting the value of the six tickets he received. His initial declaration valued them at £194 each, but it later emerged that they were worth £500. The Conservative group in the Greater London Authority may push for an investigation into this discrepancy, which Khan’s team attributed to “human error.”

 

 

Since the revelation of these gifts, Labour has faced increasing criticism, especially considering the party’s previous attacks on Tory sleaze. The controversy intensified when reports emerged of tension between the police and government over Swift’s security arrangements. Allegedly, the Metropolitan Police were pressured into providing a police escort for the star during two of her Wembley performances, a privilege typically reserved for royalty or government officials. Though the government denied applying pressure, there is clear resentment within Scotland Yard, as many officers feared this move would set a dangerous precedent for celebrity treatment. 

 

This issue came on the heels of a terrorist plot foiled by the CIA in Vienna, which targeted Swift concerts and filled Swift and her team with heightened concern over safety. Andrea Swift, often credited as a significant force behind her daughter’s career, engaged directly with the Metropolitan Police over security measures. She initially pushed for an armed escort, which was quickly denied, and then for a police escort, which also faced resistance. Police argued that escorts are reserved for public figures and that no concrete evidence suggested a threat in the UK. 

 

Nevertheless, Swift’s mother continued her campaign, and eventually, top government officials, including Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and London’s Mayor Khan, became involved in the discussions. Ultimately, a compromise was reached, but not before Scotland Yard sought legal reassurance concerning their officers’ personal liability for breaking protocol. 

 

As ministers enjoyed their perks, critics questioned whether there was undue pressure on the police and whether these gifts blurred ethical lines. Labour’s previous focus on sleaze only amplifies the embarrassment, especially for a party now dealing with its own scrutiny over hospitality. It also became known that Starmer met Swift backstage during one concert, but Downing Street insists the meeting was focused solely on the tragic murder of three children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.

 

There is growing unease within Labour about the appearance of conflicts of interest. Starmer himself has accepted gifts totaling more than £100,000, including £32,000 worth of tickets. Recently, he agreed to reimburse £6,000, which included his Taylor Swift concert packages. However, he has yet to ask his cabinet colleagues to follow suit. New guidance is being drawn up on acceptable hospitality practices, particularly in light of potential conflicts related to gifts from football clubs or the Premier League.

 

Some ministers remain unapologetic. Darren Jones, the Treasury's chief secretary, defended his decision to accept four tickets for his family, saying, "I had not seen my children during the election period, so I thought it was a nice treat for them. I’m not really a Swiftie, but I declared it properly.” Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson echoed a similar sentiment, calling it “too good to turn down” and recognizing that she was “in a fortunate position.” While Phillipson says she wouldn’t accept concert tickets again, Jones remains defiant, stating that he might do so under similar circumstances in the future. 

 

Amid the controversy, some ministers tried to inject a lighter tone into the debate. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who attended a concert with her husband, former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, quoted Swift's hit song, "Shake it Off," remarking, "Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate." Despite the humor, the Labour government now faces significant backlash, and Downing Street appears keen to avoid further controversy over gifts and hospitality.

 

Based on a report from The Times 2024-10-21

 

 

 

[jippytum]

 The sleaze of the labour party politicians is exposed in the first 100 days after the election. 

 Starmer's first budget will further confirm the biggest betrayal  ever in UK politics. 

[john donson]

never understood people these days want to spend thousands of whatever to sing or lipsing a famous person amongst other thousands of 'fans' in very bad audio, whatever....

[Watawattana]

2 hours ago, jippytum said:

The sleaze of the labour party politicians is exposed in the first 100 days after the election. 

 Starmer's first budget will further confirm the biggest betrayal  ever in UK politics. 

The biggest surprise would be that anyone is surprised by this.  These people make the rules.  They could change them to totally ban all gifts of any value.  Of course they won't.  All at the same time pensioners on the edge of poverty will lose their winter allowance, whilst the MPs keep theirs.

[crazykopite]

Corruption is world wide it will never change 

[mokwit]

Whatabout the Conservatives?: incoming in 5...4...3...2..

[Dave0206]

I like the reply one minister gave" it was too good an offer to turn down "I wonder if he or she is offered cash if that too will be too good to turn down 

[JonnyF]

10 hours ago, Social Media said:

Meanwhile, Sadiq Khan, London's mayor, has come under scrutiny for underreporting the value of the six tickets he received. His initial declaration valued them at £194 each, but it later emerged that they were worth £500. The Conservative group in the Greater London Authority may push for an investigation into this discrepancy, which Khan’s team attributed to “human error.”

 

This guy Khan couldn't lie straight in bed.

 

No wonder Swift got her fancy police escort when she is bribing the mayor and the government with free tickets. 

 

Labour are far worse than the Tories when it comes to grifting.