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Chancellor Rachel Reeves Addresses Ticket Controversy
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has publicly acknowledged her acceptance of complimentary tickets to a recent concert featuring pop artist Sabrina Carpenter, asserting her intention to disclose the value of these tickets.
In an interview with Laura Kuenssberg aired on Sunday, Reeves revealed that she attended the concert a few weeks prior with a relative. She noted the added complexity of attending such events due to her security arrangements, stating, “I do now have security which means it’s not as easy as it would have been in the past to just sit in a concert.”
This incident comes in the wake of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s efforts to reinforce the guidelines governing ministers’ acceptance of gifts and hospitality. In November, Starmer implemented stricter measures following criticism over financial contributions received by him and other members of the cabinet.
Notably, Starmer himself has reimbursed more than £6,000 in gifts and hospitality, which included the value of tickets to six Taylor Swift concerts, following public scrutiny. The revised protocols instituted last year, while not outright prohibiting ministers from accepting gifts, emphasize the importance of maintaining the public’s trust.
During her interview, Reeves was questioned by Kuenssberg regarding her decision not to personally purchase the concert tickets. She clarified that the tickets were not available for purchase, highlighting her commitment to transparency by promising to declare their value.
This revelation follows various media reports about the issue from earlier in the week. Additionally, in September 2024, Reeves stated her refusal to accept clothing contributions in her official capacity, in response to past controversies where she had received significant gifts in the form of garments while serving in opposition.
Reeves has acknowledged that accepting clothing donations was not a practice she intended to continue as a government minister, aiming to distance herself from previous situations that raised ethical questions within political circles.
Source
www.bbc.com