Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is being investigated by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards over potential breaches of rules on earnings and gifts, the parliamentary website shows.
The parliamentary website shows Sir Keir is being investigated under two sections of the MPs’ rules of conduct on registering interests.
The first matter under investigation is stated as: “Registration of interests under Category 1 of the Guide to the Rules (Employment and earnings).”
And the second: “Registration of interests under Category 3 of the Guide to the Rules (Gifts, benefits and hospitality from UK sources).”
Speaking after the investigation was announced, Sir Keir insisted he is confident he has not broken the MPs’ code of conduct, saying “there’s no problem here”.
During a visit to Wakefield, the Labour leader said allegations were not a surprise, adding: “My office is dealing with it and will be replying in due course.”
Asked if he was sure he had done nothing wrong, he said: “Absolutely confident, there’s no problem here.”
It comes as an investigation into potential Covid-19 lockdown breaches by the Labour leader continues.
Sir Keir was caught on camera drinking a beer in an MP’s office after a day of campaigning for the local elections in Durham in April 2021.
While deputy Labour leader Rayner was also at the event, dubbed by some as “Beergate” in the wake of the Downing Street “Partygate” investigation into lockdown breaches.
At the time of the Durham gathering, non-essential retail and outdoor venues including pub gardens were open, but social distancing rules – which included a ban on indoor mixing between households – remained in place.
Both Sir Keir and Ms Rayner have recieved questionnaires from Durham Constabulary, Labour said last month.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: "Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner have received questionnaires from Durham Constabulary."
Sir Keir Starmer
Dominic Lipinski
Sir Keir insisted he is confidence he has not broken the MPs' code of conduct
Danny Lawson