SIR Keir Starmer rejected calls for an investigation into his Taylor Swift meeting — as the freebie controversy engulfed another minister.
The PM will not refer himself to the independent adviser on ministers’ interests over the singer’s VIP police escort for her Wembley gigs.
GettySir Keir Starmer has rejected calls for a probe into his Taylor Swift meeting[/caption]
instagramKeir and wife Victoria met Taylor backstage at Wembley in August[/caption]
He met her backstage at Wembley in August after she was given taxpayer-funded blue-light assistance normally only afforded to royalty and senior politicians.
He and wife Victoria had already seen Swift at the same venue in June.
Asked if there was a perceived conflict of interest, No10 said: “No, on the basis that the decision-making in this case was for the Met operationally and independently.”
Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick had called for an investigation.
The PM has paid back the £2,800 of tickets and hospitality he was given for Swift’s August 20 concert.
No10 insists the tickets from her record label were not a thank you for the police protection.
Meanwhile, Science Secretary Peter Kyle was yesterday accused of failing to declare on time two Swift tickets and hospitality worth £584.
Mr Kyle was a guest of the Football Association for her Wembley gig on August 15 — but registered the gift only on October 3, outside the 28-day deadline.
It came just hours after he told the Commons that Labour “raises standards in public life”.
A source said it was a mistake.
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