Lord Alli, a wealthy businessman, has been at the centre of controversy over his gifts to Labour Party leaders, including Keir Starmer. Despite reportedly hating publicity, Alli has been the subject of intense media scrutiny in recent weeks.
The peer, who is worth an estimated £200 million, has been financing the Labour Party for 25 years, with his donations totalling more than £700,000. He has given clothes and spectacles to Starmer and his wife, loaned his luxury Manhattan apartment to Angela Rayner, and bankrolled Bridget Phillipson’s 40th birthday party.
Alli’s connection to the Labour Party dates back to the 1980s, when he was encouraged by his East End neighbour Emily Thornberry to take a greater role in the party. He became the youngest and first openly gay peer in Parliament in 1998, at the age of 34.
Alli’s TV business produced several hits, including The Word, Survivor, and The Big Breakfast, leading one newspaper to comment that he was the person who “perfected TV presented by morons for morons.” He made yet more millions from property, online retail, and media rights.
Alli’s parties are the stuff of legend, with guests talking of the annual bash at his Kent mansion having a Ferris wheel, dodgems, and hot air balloon over the years. His contacts book is bulging, allowing him to play a lead role in tapping up other wealthy people for donations.
He was the chair of Labour’s election fundraising and used his £18 million London penthouse to host weekly meetings to plot donation drives. The penthouse has recently been in the headlines after it was used by Starmer to record two video clips, one telling Britain to work from home in the pandemic and another paying a tribute to the late Queen.
It is difficult to overstate Alli’s importance to Labour, but friends have tried to play down the influence he has on the party. One friend told The Spectator: “He’s had his seat in the Lords since 1998. What more could he want?”
Despite the public outcry, Lord Alli and his millions will be part of Labour’s story for as long as he is needed.
Conclusion
Lord Alli’s donations to the Labour Party have sparked controversy, with many questioning the influence he has on the party. Despite his reported dislike of publicity, Alli has been at the centre of media attention in recent weeks. His connections to the party date back to the 1980s, and he has been financing the party for 25 years.
FAQs
Q: How much is Lord Alli worth?
A: Lord Alli is worth an estimated £200 million.
Q: How long has Lord Alli been financing the Labour Party?
A: Lord Alli has been financing the Labour Party for 25 years.
Q: What kind of gifts has Lord Alli given to Labour Party leaders?
A: Lord Alli has given clothes and spectacles to Keir Starmer and his wife, loaned his luxury Manhattan apartment to Angela Rayner, and bankrolled Bridget Phillipson’s 40th birthday party.
Q: Why has Lord Alli been the subject of controversy?
A: Lord Alli’s donations to the Labour Party have sparked controversy, with many questioning the influence he has on the party.