Calls for Starmer to face investigation over football regulator appointment

Conservative lawmakers are calling for an investigation into whether Labour leader Keir Starmer engaged in a conflict of interest during the selection process for the new football regulator's chairman. They have written to the government's independent ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, to scrutinize donations Starmer received from David Kogan, who was named in April as the government's preferred candidate to chair the Independent Football Regulator. This request follows a previous inquiry that found Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy had failed to declare similar donations from Kogan. The Independent Football Regulator is being established to ensure financial stability for football clubs and prevent them from joining breakaway leagues. The Conservatives argue that because Kogan also donated to Starmer during the 2020 Labour leadership race and to Starmer's constituency Labour Party, Starmer should face scrutiny similar to that of Lisa Nandy. They also suggest Starmer's perceived ties to the football industry should have led him to recuse himself from any involvement in the appointment process. Nandy apologized for unknowingly breaching rules by not disclosing donations from Kogan to her leadership campaign. While Starmer stated she acted in good faith, he did reprimand her for not meeting expected standards. The Conservatives contend that Starmer has a similar conflict of interest, arguing that Kogan's appointment should be withdrawn and that an investigation into Starmer is necessary. They highlight a report by the commissioner for public app... download the app to read more