Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria have received clothing donations in order to represent the UK. The foreign secretary referenced other countries’ generous taxpayer-funded budgets for leaders’ clothing when asked about the donations. Reports suggest that Sir Keir may have broken parliamentary rules by not disclosing clothing bought for his wife by Labour donor Lord Waheed Alli. In response, David Lammy outlined that US presidents and first ladies have a budget paid for by the taxpayer, as opposed to the UK.
Despite immense scrutiny of first ladies’ fashion choices, the US first lady does not have access to a specific clothing budget, and must often cover the costs herself. Conversely, the US president does have an expenses budget of approximately $50,000 which can be used for purchases on top of their $400,000 annual salary. Presidents’ spouses do not generally receive a fixed expenses budget, though they have paid staff and an office.
Some first ladies, such as Laura Bush, have lamented the sheer quantity of designer clothes that they were expected to purchase in order to meet the expectations for their role. By contrast, gifts of clothing from fashion designers is one way in which US first ladies can keep up with fashion trends. The Smithsonian Museum lists current first lady Jill Biden’s inauguration dress, which was donated by designer Alexandria O’Neill, as an honour to Ms Biden; a sign the designer lent the dress.
Elsewhere in the world, spouses of world leaders typically rely on donations for their style choices. Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, is thought to be lent outfits by Parisian fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, but does not receive a state-funded budget for clothes. In Germany, there is no fund for clothing, though ministers were criticised for spending €450,000 on hairdressers, makeup artists and photographers in the first six months of 2023.
The UK’s Foreign Office declined to comment on Lammy’s remarks and Downing Street said that advice was sought on coming to office for Sir Keir and Victoria. They believed they had been compliant, but declared further items following additional investigation
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
