Labour donor Lord Alli is back at the centre of a political row after being appointed to Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s team.

The appointment has prompted fresh questions from political opponents over gifts and whether Alli will receive access to restricted areas of Downing Street.

Alli previously attracted considerable attention over donations made to Labour and gifts provided to Sir Keir Starmer and his family.

The controversy became known as the “passes for glasses” row after questions were raised over Alli’s access to Downing Street alongside gifts which included clothing and eyewear.

The SNP previously called for a parliamentary investigation into why Alli had been given a Downing Street pass.

His return to the heart of Labour politics under Burnham has now brought those questions back to the surface.

The party is demanding that Labour explains whether Alli will receive access to restricted areas and whether Burnham will accept personal gifts from him.

SNP MSP George Adam said:

“Lord Freebie is back in business with Burnham and the public deserve to know why.

“Is it more no. 10 passes for designer glasses or will it be security clearances for backstage appearances with Andy Burnham already having accepted multiple music gig freebies.

“The Labour Party blocked Westminster donations reform last week while Nigel Farage is up to his eyes in a donations scandal too, Lord Alli being back in the fold just reeks of more of the same.

“Through a fresh start with independence we can escape the murky ways of Westminster for good.”