Lord Waheed Alli has always enjoyed picking winners, whether in the worlds of finance, media and fashion where he made his fortune, or in politics. As a young entrepreneur he befriended Tony Blair, who after becoming prime minister ennobled him at the age of just 33.

Sir Keir Starmer has been slapped down by one of Labour’s most senior figures and told to stop trying to “justify” freebies. Baroness Harriet Harman told the Prime Minister “doubling down” is angering and alienating voters. Sir Keir has denied being “king of the freebies” amid a deepening political crisis over gifts.

When Keir Starmer entered 10 Downing Street as the UK’s new prime minister on July 5, the customary line-up of officials and aides was there to clap him in following the Labour Party’s resounding electoral success.

Sir Keir Starmer initially failed to disclose he received £16,200 of free clothing from Labour donor Lord Waheed Alli, in a move that risks fuelling the controversy around the prime minister’s acceptance of freebies.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said he has “no problem” with ministers getting a “chance for a little bit of relaxation” as part of their jobs.