Labour has spent thousands in taxpayer money on on fine dining at exclusive clubs, crystal glassware from a company featured in Downton Abbey, and premium English wine since July.
An investigation by The Times found hefty sums have been spent on hotels, food and drink, and « leisure events » since Sir Keir Starmer‘s party came to power last summer.
The Foreign Office forked out £2,400 at Cumbria Crystal, where a quartet of Grasmere wine glasses will set you back £500. The glass producer established by Lord and Lady Cavendish also provided items to the set of Downton Abbey.
A further £1,400 was splashed at Fortnum and Mason’s, £600 on Chapel Down fizz, and £741 on custom footwear from Carreducker.
There were also substantial receipts for swanky events at private members’ clubs, including £2,240 at The British Club in Thailand, £975 at the Reform Club in London, and £940 at Dublin’s The Kildare Street and University Club.
Foreign Office officials also racked up a £998 food and drinks bill at Cambodia’s Sokha Beach Resort in September. The department spent £521,525 on « restaurants and bars » sinkhole within the first four months of the Labour Government.
Taxpayer money has also been splashed on « leisure events ». Home Office staff were treated to an £810 team-building session in a Kent escape room, and £872 on trophies for a gala event, while the Foreign Office spent £623 on South By South West festival tickets in Sydney.
Department of Transport staff spent a staggering £5,237 for just five employees to stay at the Hotel Claris in Barcelona for an IT conference.
The Cabinet Office coughed up £1,050 for training materials from the Plain English Campaign, which « fights for crystal-clear communication ».
An insider from the government defended these expenses, telling the outlet that the practices of gifting and hospitality are normal practices.
They added that the Hotel Claris was « one of the cheapest remaining options » available that could cater to specific needs of the department.
A government spokesperson told the outlet: « The majority of this spending was under the previous administration. This government is clear – all spending must be justified as we continue to tackle wasteful expenditure and inefficiency wherever it may occur.
« Our upcoming spending review will ensure taxpayer money is focused firmly on the government’s plan for change, getting the NHS back on its feet, rebuilding Britain and securing our borders. »
The Express has approached Labour for comment.
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