Keir Starmer spends £30k of taxpayer cash on Downing Street refurb | Politics | News
Keir Starmer visits John Lewis during the pandemic and Boris Johnson’s premiership (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir Starmer spent £1,600 on a shower screen door as part of the £30,000 renovation of his Downing Street flat, it has been revealed. The Prime Minister has spent tens of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money on his house of favor and favor in Westminster.
The renovations included a £1,400 bed, a £1,395 “TV unit” and a £1,630 shower curtain. Great Britain NewsHe obtained the data under Freedom of Information Act rules.
Alex Burghart MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Netherlands for Lancaster, said: “Labour ministers refused to tell Parliament that nearly £30,000 had been spent on refurbishing the Prime Minister’s flat, although these details were to be released under a Freedom of Information request.
“They were happy to inform MPs about taxpayer-funded sofas, furniture and renovation costs until FOI revealed the information. The review is important and pushes the government to make better decisions; sunlight is the best disinfectant.”
“Parliament exists to hold ministers to account, but this Government has repeatedly blatantly ignored that scrutiny.”
Prime Minister furnishes his new home in Downing Street (Image: Getty)
Officials acting on behalf of Sir Keir and Lady Starmer spent £4,440 on three sofas, £990 on six kitchen chairs and £1,207.50 on two dining tables when they moved into the spacious flat above No 11 in the months after the 2024 General Election.
Sir Keir is entitled to spend £30,000 a year as part of a contribution towards the maintenance and furnishing of the four-bedroom flat in the heart of Westminster. But it could spark criticism amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Also added to the taxpayers’ bill under the heading “refurbishment” were “painting works” worth £9,164, “storage throughout” of £2,803 and shutters worth £721.94.
No 10 refused to say whether Sir Keir and Lady Starmer had been consulted about some of the items being purchased, but a source suggested the Prime Minister and his wife may also have had an opinion.
An insider said: “It is not unusual for the Prime Minister’s family to be consulted on certain elements of the refurbishment, but they would not have the details.”
The Prime Minister has previously taken aim at Boris Johnson and his now-wife Carrie Symonds, who decided to redecorate their 11 Downing Street flat after inheriting a “John Lewis furniture nightmare” from Theresa May.
Mr Johnson was accused of using £58,000 of Tory funding for a lavish refurbishment of his Downing Street flat.
Ms Symonds hired luxury interior designer Lulu Lytle, whose company Soane Britain sells “Yellow Gold” and “Old Gold” wallpapers.
