A fresh controversy is swirling around Keir Starmer’s office as revelations emerge about his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, allegedly ignoring repeated warnings to declare substantial political donations.
Documents obtained by the Daily Mail show McSweeney was explicitly told in November 2017 that contributions to his Labour Together think-tank fell under electoral law and needed to be reported.
Despite this, he failed to declare nearly £740,000 in donations over the next three years, leading to multiple breaches of electoral law for the think-tank and a fine from the Electoral Commission.
Questions Mount Over McSweeney’s Conduct
The undeclared donations have intensified scrutiny over McSweeney’s role, particularly during the period he actively supported Starmer’s Labour leadership campaign.
Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake accused him of “hiding” donations and urged the Electoral Commission to involve the police.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Hollinrake said, “Morgan McSweeney engaged in a significant cover-up of a secret slush fund that he used to install Keir Starmer as Labour leader. No matter what spin Labour tries, there’s nowhere for him to hide.”
Conflicting Legal Advice and Alleged Cover-Up
A leaked email shows McSweeney claimed he spoke to the Electoral Commission in early 2018 and was told Labour Together didn’t need to declare donations.
However, Labour lawyer Gerald Shamash disputed that conversation, noting neither the commission nor the think-tank had any record of it.
Shamash described the situation as almost impossible to explain due to the scale of the undeclared funds.
He advised McSweeney to frame the issue as an administrative error and avoid referring to himself—a tactic Labour Together ultimately used when filing late declarations.
Electoral Commission Records Highlight Clear Warnings
Records from the Electoral Commission reveal that McSweeney had been explicitly warned in 2017 that Labour Together, as a registered members’ association engaged in political activity, had to declare all donations immediately and provide explanations for previous omissions.
Officials reiterated this legal duty the following month, particularly for donations over £7,500.
Despite these clear-cut instructions, McSweeney continued to claim the think-tank wasn’t required to declare its donations.
It was only after he left Labour Together in 2020 that his successor, Hannah O’Rourke, uncovered nearly three years of undeclared donations totaling £739,000.
She submitted the “late” declarations to the Electoral Commission, and the think-tank was later fined £14,250 in September 2021.
Political Reactions Split Along Party Lines
The revelations have prompted strong reactions in Westminster. Tory MP Alex Burghart described the situation as “incredibly serious,” emphasizing that deliberately withholding information from the Electoral Commission is a criminal offence.
Conversely, Labour figures defended McSweeney.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden praised him as a “very talented” chief of staff and suggested attacks were politically motivated.
Labour Together declined further comment, with a party source noting that the matter had already been investigated years ago.
Electoral Commission Response
The Electoral Commission confirmed it would respond to Tory requests for a renewed investigation “in due course,” leaving open the possibility of further scrutiny as the political storm around Starmer’s office continues.