Labour embroiled in new donations row

By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer Jan 8, 2008, 8:09 GMT

British Secretary for Work and Pensions Peter Hain as he arrives at Downing Street, 10 May 2007, for the weekly Cabinet Meeting. EPA/Richard Lewis

(M&C) - Labour is to face another row over donations as Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain admits he failed to declare donations he received when he stood for the deputy leadership of the party.

Mr Hain has blamed "administrative failings" for his non-disclosure of thousands of pounds in donations received from businesses and unions during his unsuccessful bid for the post of deputy leader.

The minister declared donations of £82,000 however the Guardian newspaper has estimated the total to be far in excess of £100,000. Mr Hain said he had called for a full audit and the details would be provided to the Electoral Commission.

"As I said in December, as a result of administrative failings within my campaign there were donations to my deputy leadership bid which were not registered within the normal time, to the Electoral Commission," he said in answer to the latest revelations.

"Since December I have undertaken a full audit of all donations to the campaign and have agreed with the Electoral Commission to provide the details of these late declarations to them, by the middle of January."

"I reiterate that this is deeply regrettable and I sincerely apologise," he added.