,LONDON — On October 2, Keir Starmer, the UK's prime minister, repaid thousands of pounds worth of gifts from wealthy donors following criticism over freebies accepted by him and other Labour politicians, according to his office.

Just months after Starmer and his Labour Party came to power, both he and some of his senior ministers have faced backlash for accepting donations to cover expenses such as clothing, event tickets, and international travel.

Starmer's Downing Street office announced that he had returned more than £6,000 (S$10,291) in gifts before the introduction of a proposed new code governing such donations.

"We will now implement new principles for donations, as politicians have so far used personal judgment on a case-by-case basis," Starmer said while speaking to reporters during a visit to Brussels. "I decided that until these principles are finalized, it was right to make those repayments."

The £6,000 repayment covers the cost of six Taylor Swift concert tickets, four horse racing tickets, and a clothing rental from a high-end fashion designer.

According to the House of Commons code of conduct, members of parliament must disclose financial interests that could be perceived as influencing their work.

In September, the controversy led Starmer to pledge he would no longer accept donations for his clothing. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Finance Minister Rachel Reeves have also agreed to stop accepting such donations.

Earlier on October 2, a parliamentary notice revealed an ongoing investigation into Labour donor Waheed Alli, a member of the House of Lords and a media entrepreneur, for allegedly failing to register his interests. Alli has donated to Starmer, providing items like glasses, clothing, and accommodation.

Alli, a former chairman of ASOS, has been a notable figure in the media and fashion industries.

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