Why is Labour's pick to be football regulator leading to cries of serious foul play?

Lisa Nandy, secretary of state for culture, media and sport (DCMS), has decided to recuse herself from the final decision on the appointment of the first official football regulator, David Kogan, the government’s preferred nominee.

- SEAN O'GRADY

At a relatively late stage in proceedings, Kogan revealed in his confirmation hearing at the DCMS select committee that he had donated “very small” amounts of money to both Keir Starmer and Nandy.

This has led to allegations about a conflict of interest and, now, Nandy’s unusual decision to stand aside from the decisionmaking process. Much more than the “freebies scandal” in Labour’s first days back in power, this is the most prominent case of anything like “sleaze” or “cronyism” touching the Starmer administration.

How did this happen?

It’s not entirely obvious. Had Kogan found a way to make his financial support for Starmer and Nandy clear at the earliest possible opportunity, then his embarrassment, and that of ministers, might have been avoided. Or perhaps Starmer and, more apposite, Nandy might have done so. Why didn’t she? We don’t know.