Keir Starmer joked about pretending a flash UK government building in New York was his own home today - amid questions over whether he used a Labour donor's opulent penthouse as his own home.
It came after he aid he did not declare using Lord Alli's £18million apartment in central London for political purposes because he was 'only there for a couple of hours'. Sir Keir, who is embroiled in a row about his use of Labour donor Lord Alli's Covent Garden pad, joked to the US business chiefs about the consul general's residence: 'I'd like to pretend this is my apartment to welcome you to.'
The premier yesterday defended taking £20,000 worth of free accommodation at the flat in the run-up to the election, saying his son needed 'peace' to study for his GCSEs. TV property guru Kirstie Allsopp has voiced doubts about whether £3,300 per week was a realistic valuation for such an opulent residence, swiping that Sir Keir must be a 'bargain hunter extraordinaire'
However, the clip was actually shot in the same £18million flat into which the Labour leader and his family moved into during this year's election campaign. 'He would have been the first to call for this to be investigated if the shoe was on the other foot – it's only right that equal scrutiny applies.'