Cabinet Minister Kemi Badenoch has ignited a political firestorm with a sensational allegation against Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, accusing him of a potential 'breach of the Ministerial Code'. The extraordinary claim centres on Sir Keir's time as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
In a letter seen by The Independent, the Business and Trade Secretary alleges that Sir Keir improperly used government resources to facilitate a personal correspondence. The letter in question was reportedly sent from Sir Keir's government office at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to the Home Office, concerning a local crime issue in his constituency.
The Core of the Allegation
Mrs Badenoch's central argument is that by using his official CPS capacity to raise a matter pertaining to his role as a constituency MP, Sir Keir blurred the lines between his governmental and political duties. She contends this action may constitute a misuse of taxpayer-funded resources for party political purposes.
The specific case involved a letter about a crime meeting in his Epping Forest constituency, sent on official CPS stationery during his tenure as DPP.
Labour's Forceful Rebuttal
The Labour Party has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson for Sir Keir stated that his actions were entirely within the remit of his duties as DPP, arguing that engaging with the Home Office on criminal justice matters was a standard and necessary part of the role.
They dismissed Mrs Badenoch's claims as a 'desperate political smear' and a 'transparent attempt to distract from the government's own failures' on crime and justice.
A Political Grudge Match
The allegations have escalated the already tense relationship between the two senior politicians. Mrs Badenoch, a prominent figure on the Conservative right, and Sir Keir, the leader of the opposition, are seen as key players in the upcoming general election campaign.
Political analysts suggest this public airing of allegations signals a new level of aggression in pre-election manoeuvring, with both sides digging in for a protracted battle over ethics and accountability.
The government has been urged to refer the matter to the independent adviser on ministers' interests for a definitive investigation, a move that would add further fuel to the political conflagration.
