Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to be investigated over possible rule breaches

Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer is being investigated by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards over potential breaches of rules on earnings and gifts.

It was revealed on the Parliamentary website that Kathryn Stone was looking at whether the Opposition leader has broken two sections of the MPs' code of conduct on registering interests. The investigation began on Wednesday after Ms Stone looked at the registration of interests under the section on employment and earnings.

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A second issue being examined is a possible breach of the section concerning gifts, benefits and hospitality from UK sources. Despite the investigation, Starmer insists that he has not broken any rules.

The Labour leader spoke to broadcasters during a visit to Wakefield in West Yorkshire where he remarked: "My office is dealing with it and will be replying in due course.” After being questioned on if he was confident there was no wrongdoing, he said: "Absolutely confident, there’s no problem here.”

Sir Keir is one of three MPs currently under investigation by the standards commission with the other two being Andrew Bridgen, a Tory MP who is being investigated for lobbying and Tory MP Chris Philip who is being probed for improper use of his parliamentary email address.

It comes shortly after Sir Starmer criticised Prime Minister Boris Johnson for breaking the rules during the coronavirus pandemic following the publishing of the Sue Gray report and a no-confidence vote in Parliament.

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