Starmer’s niece ‘parachuted into safe Labour seat’
PM’s relative to stand in local elections in Croydon
Sir Keir Starmer’s niece is standing in the local elections in Croydon, one of the safest wards in London.
Some disgruntled local Labour activists claim Ellie Sandover, who is in her mid-20s, has been “parachuted into a safe Labour seat” because of her famous uncle.
Her mother is Katy Swabey, one of the Prime Minister’s three siblings, who works as a nurse in the care sector.
Ms Sandover will stand in Bensham Manor after two of the ward’s sitting Labour councillors were blocked from standing by the party.
One member of the local Labour Party told the Inside Croydon website: “Bensham Manor members disappointed no selection happened. Ellie’s not very visible in campaign or community.”
A resident told the website: “Ellie’s a very new member to the party.”
Ms Sandover was selected in August last year, after working as a parliamentary intern for Sarah Jones, the policing minister and MP for Croydon West.
She previously worked at a Croydon charity called Legacy Youth Zone as its “youth engagement lead”. She has a degree from the Central School of Speech and Drama and has a master’s in law.
Eunice O’Dame and Enid Molyneux, two of the sitting councillors for Bensham Manor, were blocked by Labour from standing as candidates.
A party spokesman said Ms Sandover had been selected in line with party rules and procedures – and that it was categorically incorrect to suggest she was selected to stand for election in anything other than the normal way.
“Labour is proud to have a strong set of local candidates standing for election in Croydon and right across London,” they said.
Concerns around cronyism emerged shortly after Sir Keir assumed power in July 2024. He has promoted several people connected to him or married to those connected to him.
