'Beergate': British police clear opposition leader Keir Starmer
Labor and opposition leader Keir Starmer at a press conference in London on July 8, 2022. REUTERS - HENRY NICHOLLS
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
British police have cleared the Labor Party boss.
Keir Starmer was suspected of having broken the rules of containment in April 2021, as part of an election campaign.
The opposition leader had promised that he would resign if he received a fine.
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With our correspondent in London,
Emeline Vin
Suspected of having broken the rules of confinement last year, Keir Starmer and his assistant had promised in the event of a fine to resign several weeks ago.
If the police had found him guilty, he would have had to leave his post just after Boris Johnson – the two government parties would then have found themselves without a leader, a situation absolutely unprecedented in the United Kingdom.
"Beergate", the beer scandal
Keir Starmer has always said that he and his campaign team never broke any rules.
Having promised to resign was a matter of principle: those who make the laws cannot violate the laws, he explained during a press conference.
“
People tell me that when they look at the leaders of this country, they see a group of people totally out of touch with reality.
It's not just Boris Johnson, that sentiment has been simmering for years.
But politics can be a force for good: when politics is done right, it can change lives.
»
I've always said no rules were broken when I was in Durham.
The police have completed their investigation and agreed: there is no case to answer.
For me, this was always a matter of principle.
Honesty and integrity matter.
You will always get that from me.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 8, 2022
Maintained in his post, Keir Starmer has been calling, since the resignation of the Prime Minister, for the organization of early elections, before the end of the legislature in 2024. The Labor Party, leading in the polls, could well lead the next government.
“
It is vital that we revive our economy, revitalize our public services and give the UK the fresh start it deserves.
That's what I will do as Prime Minister.
I know I have to convince you to believe that together we can build a better country.
»
The Conservatives have so far rejected any early poll.
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To read also: United Kingdom: even Boris Johnson's party does not mourn his departure
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