What is the cronyism row engulfing the Labour Party?

As Labour settles into government, it has been engulfed by cronyism allegations. The Tories have accused the party of a growing scandal”, while Labour has claimed nothing it has done has been out of the ordinary. But what is the row actually about?

- MILLIE COOKE

Why has Labour been accused of cronyism?

The row began after a number of appointments were made by Labour, with several people linked to the party or Laboursupporting think tanks taking up roles in the civil service, bringing into question its political impartiality.

Most recently, the party has faced criticism after it emerged peer Waheed Alli, who has donated hundreds of thousands of pounds to the party, was given unrestricted access to No 10, prompting “cash for access” allegations.

Meanwhile, Ian Corfield, who has donated £20,000 to Labour politicians over the last decade, was made a temporary director of investment at the Treasury last month after a stint as the party’s senior business adviser. Mr Corfield is reported to have resigned as an official to the chancellor, becoming an unpaid adviser instead.