Keir Starmer’s £200 ‘Beergate’ curry bill has been exaggerated, says takeaway boss

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Keir Starmer is now being investigated by Durham Police over the so-called Beergate event while campaigning last year while Covid rules were still in place

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Keir Starmer defends himself over drinking beer at event

Keir Starmer’s reported £200 “Beergate” curry bill has been exaggerated, says the takeaway that served it.

Durham Police are probing whether the Labor Leader’s beer and nosh with party workers broke Covid rules.

It was widely reported the bill was £200 – enough to feed up to 30 people and believed to be the key claim that triggered the police probe.

However, The Capital restaurant in Durham yesterday revealed the bill was significantly less – although a breakdown of the order has been wiped off its system.

Syed Zohorul Jr, who helps run The Capital, said: “It hasn’t been that big an order. It wasn’t £200. It would definitely have been a much smaller order.

“Our prices are expensive anyway. It’s a year ago and we don’t have a record.

“But I’m sure it was a smaller order.

“This shouldn’t involve us, it’s got nothing to do with us, they shouldn’t be investigating.”

Sir Keir was seen drinking beer with Labor staff in the former Durham Miners HQ – at a time England was under stage 2 Covid rules. He maintains it was a work event during the Hartlepool by-election.

On Friday he said: “I’m confident that no rules were broken.”

It is the second time the police have looked at the incident.

A spokesman said: “Earlier this year, it was concluded no offense had been established and no further action would be taken.

“Following significant new information over recent days, Durham Constabulary has reviewed that position and we can confirm an investigation into potential breaches is being conducted.”

Last night it was reported that a Labor whistleblower had leaked a document showing the gathering was planned in advance – and questioned whether Sir Keir returned to work after the event.

But Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “ Keir Starmer is honest… he will be vindicated.”

The decision to re-investigate comes after the force declined to re-open their files on the Barnard Castle trip made by ex-No10 aide Dominic Cummings in 2020.

Former prosecutor for north-west England, Nazir Afzal, compiled a 200-page dossier alleging multiple rule breaches.

Mr Afzal, who lost his brother to coronavirus, tweeted on Friday: “It had witness statements ready for court. Durham Police rejected it. What’s stopping them I wonder?”