Rachel Reeves is under investigation for failing to register free National Theatre tickets within the required timeframe, despite declaring them on a separate ministerial register
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing an investigation by Parliament’s standards watchdog after failing to declare the receipt of free theatre tickets in a timely manner. The incident involves tickets to an event at London’s National Theatre, which Reeves attended over the Christmas period. While the tickets were eventually declared, they were registered late, sparking concerns about adherence to parliamentary standards.
The tickets, which were valued at approximately £276, were received on 27 December 2024 but were not registered in the MPs’ official register of interests until 27 March 2025. Under parliamentary rules, MPs are required to register any financial interests, including gifts and donations, within 28 days. The fact that Reeves did not meet this deadline has prompted the investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.
A spokesperson for Reeves has defended the chancellor, stating that her interests are “fully declared and up to date,” adding that the delay in registration was an administrative error. It is understood that while Reeves did not register the donation on time in the MPS’ register, she did report it on her ministerial register, which is separate from the MPS’ register. This distinction, however, does not absolve her of the requirement to update her financial interests promptly in the official register.
Sanctions for failing to follow the code of conduct can range from a simple apology to more severe penalties, including suspension from Parliament. The seriousness of the breach will be assessed by the standards watchdog, which is tasked with determining whether Reeves’ delay warrants disciplinary action.
The case comes amid growing scrutiny of politicians’ acceptance of gifts and free tickets. Earlier this year, Reeves found herself defending her decision to accept free tickets to a Sabrina Carpenter concert at London’s O2 arena. She explained that she attended the concert with a family member and cited security concerns as a reason for needing assistance. The chancellor noted that her security arrangements made it more difficult to attend public events unnoticed.
Embed from Getty Images“I do now have security, which means it’s not as easy as it would have been in the past to just sit in a concert,” she told the BBC. Reeves also addressed the challenges of balancing her high-profile role with being a parent, acknowledging that it was a “balancing act.” She added, “I felt I was doing the right thing, but I do understand perceptions. I recognise the feeling here. I have no intention of doing that again.”
In response to rising concerns over politicians accepting free tickets and gifts, the government introduced new rules earlier this year. These rules require ministers to consider the public’s confidence when accepting donations, although they do not outright ban such gifts. This approach seeks to balance transparency and accountability with the reality of politicians’ busy schedules and security needs.
The issue of undeclared gifts has previously led to controversy. In 2022, Sir Keir Starmer, then leader of the opposition, was found to have breached the code of conduct by failing to register tickets to football matches. Starmer apologised, attributing the oversight to an “administrative error.”
The current investigation into Reeves adds to the ongoing debate about transparency and accountability in public office, with MPs under increasing pressure to be open about any benefits they receive. The outcome of the probe will likely shape future discussions about the rules governing gifts and donations to politicians.
