Lady Starmer at London Fashion Week

Victoria Starmer attended London Fashion Week in a custom-made polka dot dress, sparking criticism due to her husband Sir Keir Starmer's failure to declare clothing donations from Labour donor Lord Alli, worth approximately £5,000. The situation, dubbed 'Wardrobegate', has drawn ire from both Conservatives and some Labour MPs who labeled it 'crass insensitivity' amidst a cost of living crisis affecting many. Sir Keir has insisted that he is following the rules regarding the declaration of gifts, stating that transparency is crucial. Despite the backlash, the parliamentary standards commissioner will not investigate the late declaration. Critics have highlighted the perceived hypocrisy in accepting such gifts while many are struggling financially, with calls for Sir Keir to apologize for the optics of the situation. The controversy continues to unfold, with former Labour MPs also voicing their disapproval of the couple's actions.