'Free Gear Keir' Starmer deserves 'a little bit of relaxation' using gifted tickets for posh Arsenal seats because he works hard, says minister amid row over scale of freebies accepted by PM By David Wilcock, Deputy Political Editor For Mailonline and Harriet Line, Deputy Political Editor For The Daily Mail Published: 09:33 BST, 19 September 2024 | Updated: 09:37 BST, 19 September 2024 e-mail View comments Sir Keir Starmer is ok to take lavish freebies including posh seats at football matches because he works hard and deserves 'a little bit of relaxation', a senior Cabinet minister claimed today. Jonathan Reynolds said he has 'no objection' to the Prime Minister receiving more than £100,000 of gifts since the 2019 election , more than any other MP. Sir Keir is under fire for accepting the use of a luxury box at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium when he wants to watch his beloved Gunners.
He is also facing criticism over 'wardrobegate' revelations that he and his wife Victoria accepted clothes and personal shopper services worth thousands from a Labour donor, Lord Alli. The allegations have seen him dubbed 'Free Gear Keir' by his critics, with reports today claiming the PM also used the peer's £18million penthouse during the election campaign. But on a media round this morning, Mr Reynolds tried to play down the row, saying that ministers work very hard and were entitled to take some time off with their families.
He told Times Radio: 'I can tell you having been a secretary of state.