Andy Burnham is bringing back Lord Waheed Alli, a significant Labour donor embroiled in a "freebies row" during Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, to help bolster the party's finances and business connections. Lord Alli, a television executive with an estimated wealth of £200 million, had stepped back from front-line politics following controversy over providing expensive clothing for a former Prime Minister.
Despite the past scandal, Lord Alli is set to resume fundraising activities. He is scheduled to host a dinner for donors this month, coinciding with the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. This move has reportedly surprised some within the party, with one business source expressing concern about the optics of his return, particularly under Burnham's leadership.
Some insiders suggest that Burnham's decision may be a strategic response to a decline in party funds under Sir Keir Starmer. Electoral Commission figures indicate that Labour currently trails both the Conservatives and Reform in donations. This financial situation has fueled speculation about a potential early general election, a scenario where Lord Alli's fundraising expertise, honed during the 2024 election campaign, would be valuable.
Lord Alli has been a key figure in the Labour Party's fundraising efforts for years. He played a central role in fundraising for the 2024 election and has been influential since the late 1990s, notably when Peter Mandelson orchestrated Labour's 1997 victory. Since 2020, he has contributed over £500,000 to the party, in addition to personal gifts to senior Labour figures.
The Labour Party has stated it anticipates a large turnout of members and supporters at its upcoming annual conference.
