Labour's Shadow Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is facing intense scrutiny after it was revealed she received more than £700,000 from an influential Labour-linked think tank while serving as a Member of Parliament.
The Birmingham Ladywood MP held a directorial role at Labour Together, a prominent policy organisation, from July 2018 until her appointment to Sir Keir Starmer's frontbench team in 2021. During this period, Companies House records show she was paid approximately £716,000 for her services.
Questions Over Transparency and Second Jobs
The substantial payments have raised eyebrows at Westminster, particularly regarding the transparency of the arrangements. While Ms Mahmood properly declared the role in the Register of Members' Interests, the sheer scale of the remuneration is likely to prompt questions about the nature of her work for the organisation and the time commitment required.
This development comes at a sensitive time for the Labour leadership, with Sir Keir Starmer having previously positioned himself as a critic of MPs undertaking significant second jobs outside their parliamentary duties.
Labour Together's Influential Backers
Labour Together has emerged as one of the most influential think tanks within centre-left circles, playing a significant role in the party's policy development. The organisation counts several major trade unions among its donors, including Unite, GMB, and Usdaw.
Other notable donors include Lord Sainsbury, the supermarket heir and former Labour donor, who has contributed substantially to the think tank's funding. The organisation has positioned itself as a key player in developing the intellectual framework for Starmer's Labour Party.
Political Fallout and Ethical Questions
The revelation poses potential embarrassment for Labour, which has sought to present itself as the party of integrity and accountability in Westminster. Critics are likely to question whether such substantial external earnings are appropriate for sitting MPs, even when properly declared.
Ms Mahmood's team has emphasised that all declarations were made in accordance with parliamentary rules and that her work for Labour Together was directly related to her political interests and expertise. However, the timing of these revelations may prove awkward as Labour continues to attack government ministers over standards issues.
The story continues to develop as Westminster observers await further comment from both Ms Mahmood's office and Labour leadership regarding the appropriateness of such substantial external earnings for frontbench politicians.
