Labour Calls On Tory MP To Withdraw 'Misleading' Beergate Allegations

Chief political correspondent Labour activists in Durham have called on a Conservative MP to withdraw allegations made to the police, accusing him of presenting misleading evidence about Keir Starmer.

- Jessica Elgot

The move was backed by the dean of Durham University's law school, Prof Thom Brooks, who said the evidence provided by the Conservative MP Richard Holden in a letter to Durham constabulary appeared to have been proven incorrect.

The chair of the City of Durham Labour party, Sheila Williams, said the allegations were “wasting police time", including referring to a quiz and social event as being in-person when the invitation “explicitly states” members should check a Zoom link.

Police are investigating claims that the Labour leader broke Covid-19 rules at a gathering of staff at Durham Miners' Hall during an election campaign in April last year, where a takeaway was ordered and Starmer was filmed drinking a beer.

Labour has said the food was necessary for staff who were eating while they worked, and has compiled evidence for police that work continued until later that night.

However, at least one witness has told the Guardian they are certain Starmer did not continue working in the hall after finishing the takeaway curry.

The investigation by Durham constabulary will hinge on whether the gathering of campaign aides and staffers from the local MP's office was necessary for work. Starmer has said he will resign if he receives a fine.