Reeves has ‘no intention’ of accepting free concert tickets in future

Rachel Reeves has stated that she will no longer accept free tickets following controversy over her attendance at a Sabrina Carpenter concert.

The Chancellor acknowledged that many people across the country may feel frustrated over her decision to accept a ticket in a private box at the O2 Arena, particularly as the Government is taking steps to reduce the benefits bill. However, she explained that her role comes with security challenges, requiring her to balance her responsibilities as both a politician and a parent.

In an interview with Good Morning Britain on ITV, Ms. Reeves admitted she understood the concerns, saying: “I do recognize how it appears to people. Since becoming Chancellor, my life has changed significantly. While it is an incredible privilege to serve in this role, it also brings security risks, meaning I can no longer simply buy tickets and sit in the audience with my family as I used to.”

She explained that for security reasons, she had accepted the offer of a seat in a private box. However, she emphasized that she does not plan to accept similar invitations in the future. “I believed it was the right choice for my family at the time, but I fully understand why people may feel differently,” she added.

When asked if she would reject all complimentary offers going forward, Ms. Reeves clarified that she would only accept hospitality in situations directly related to her role. “If it’s a formal event or dinner that I need to attend as part of my job, then of course, that’s different,” she said. “But in terms of concert tickets, I won’t be accepting them again. It’s a challenge to balance my responsibilities as a parent with the demands and security concerns of my job.”

Her decision to accept the box tickets at the time of the spring statement sparked criticism from within Parliament. Independent MP Zarah Sultana, formerly a Labour member before losing the whip, referenced the issue while questioning whether the Government’s economic plans amounted to “Austerity 2.0” and if this was what voters had expected.

Meanwhile, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook also weighed in earlier in the week, expressing his disapproval. He stated that, in his personal opinion, it was not appropriate for Ms. Reeves to have accepted the hospitality.