Sunderland council leader is criticized for accepting gifts

Davey didn’t want him to “raise council tax on needy people in our city who have to work hard to afford concerts and football games,” Edgeworth said.

“Here in Sunderland it’s Labor councils.”

He said Sunderland Liberal Democrat councilors had not accepted any “perks” or “freebies”.

Mordey was elected leader of the council in May.

He also announced two free session tickets for Sunderland’s game against Burnley at the Stadium of Light in August.

A number of senior Labor figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his deputy Angela Rayner, have recently been criticized for high-value donations.

The government announced last week it would tighten transparency rules on entertaining ministers.

City councils are required to declare gifts and entertainment over a certain value, which varies by authority.