Keir Starmer is absolutely right that there is a substantial difference between declaration and corruption (Keir Starmer suggests he will continue accepting donors’ gifts, 17 September). But he should realise that there is a crucial difference between the appearance of greed and the sort of ethical leadership he promised. Taking gifts of any substantial value gives the impression of greed when it is accepted by someone who could quite easily afford to buy the stuff themselves. Starmer should have learned that from the antics of Boris Johnson. I’ve yet to meet anyone who thinks this government has got off to a good start. The need, then, not to score own goals should speak for itself.
John Coutts
Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire
• Keir Starmer pleads: “I’m a massive Arsenal fan. I can’t go into the stands because of security reasons. Therefore, if I don’t accept a gift of hospitality, I can’t go to a game. You could say: ‘Well, bad luck’.” I don’t deny the security issue. But it’s about the acceptance of a gift. Why can’t he accept the arrangement, refuse the gift and pay the cost? I thought this was supposed to be a government of service, not self-service.
Nick Moss
London
• Controversy over Victoria Starmer’s wardrobe in her role as the prime minister’s wife reminds me of when, as wife of the British ambassador to Paris, UK designers loaned or gave me, at reduced prices, well-made, beautifully designed British clothes that not only complemented me but competed admirably against a very active French fashion business.
Mary Fretwell
London
• Is there not a skewed morality in Labour potentially condemning millions of pensioners to a freezing winter, while Keir Starmer accepts thousands of pounds to dress his wife in the style to which she is apparently required to be accustomed? Within the rules or not, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth, and displays a lack of awareness in how this might appear to millions who have to buy their own clothes and have to choose between food and heating.
Christopher Court
Exeter
• Strange that millionaire Keir Starmer seems to need a Labour donor to buy his glasses as well as clothes for his wife. Has the man no pride? Even the pensioners he targets somehow manage to sort out their own glasses and clothes. Will he be getting help from Waheed Alli with his fuel bills next?
Rita Rossini
Dovercourt, Essex
• Keir Starmer should not only rethink his acceptance of gifts for everyday items that the rest of us have to buy, he should also end subsidised dining in the House of Commons and the Lords. It would help our government representatives face the realities that apply to most of us.
Kath Delaney
Glasson Dock, Lancaster
• When Keir Starmer told us he was the “change” candidate, I hadn’t thought he was referring to his or his wife’s clothing.
Les Bright
Exeter
• Makes you nostalgic for Michael Foot’s donkey jacket, doesn’t it?
Shayne Mary Mitchell
Cambridge
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