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22/03/2006
NEC chair attacks Clarke over loans criticism
The Labour Party's loans woes have taken several twists since treasurer Jack Dromey declared he had no knowledge of millions of pounds worth of loans made to the party last week.
National Executive Council chair Sir Jeremy Beecham has attacked Home Secretary Charles Clarke who had criticised Mr Dromey in his capacity as party treasurer. Sir Jeremy said Mr Dromey had acted "perfectly properly."
The Prime Minister faced a 90-minute grilling by furious members of the Labour Party's NEC, but any hope Mr Blair may have had that the issue would go away when the NEC wrested back control of fundraising activities from Downing Street were soon to be dashed.
The NEC, which for a decade been sidelined by the Blairite's presidential style, said it had "unanimously" agreed to resume its "rightful responsibility" for overseeing "appropriate structures" for the parties funding and financing arrangements.
NEC members are concerned that the party could be faced with financial difficulties as the secret loans are called in.
Labour backbenchers are calling for Mr Blair's head over the disastrous "Peerage-gate" debacle.
It also emerged that following complaints, Scotland Yard have become involved, investigating allegations that peerages were offered for substantial loans.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were investigating complaints made by three parties under Section 1 of the Honours Act 1925.
The Labour Party has claimed that no parliamentary rules were broken, as loans are not covered by the current regulations governing the disclosure of party funding.
(SP/GB)
National Executive Council chair Sir Jeremy Beecham has attacked Home Secretary Charles Clarke who had criticised Mr Dromey in his capacity as party treasurer. Sir Jeremy said Mr Dromey had acted "perfectly properly."
The Prime Minister faced a 90-minute grilling by furious members of the Labour Party's NEC, but any hope Mr Blair may have had that the issue would go away when the NEC wrested back control of fundraising activities from Downing Street were soon to be dashed.
The NEC, which for a decade been sidelined by the Blairite's presidential style, said it had "unanimously" agreed to resume its "rightful responsibility" for overseeing "appropriate structures" for the parties funding and financing arrangements.
NEC members are concerned that the party could be faced with financial difficulties as the secret loans are called in.
Labour backbenchers are calling for Mr Blair's head over the disastrous "Peerage-gate" debacle.
It also emerged that following complaints, Scotland Yard have become involved, investigating allegations that peerages were offered for substantial loans.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were investigating complaints made by three parties under Section 1 of the Honours Act 1925.
The Labour Party has claimed that no parliamentary rules were broken, as loans are not covered by the current regulations governing the disclosure of party funding.
(SP/GB)
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21 March 2006
Labour to change party funding system
Labour's National Executive Committee is to take responsibility for party funding, following the recent row over 'loans-for-peerages'. Following a meeting at 10 Downing Street, the NEC issued a statement saying that it would resume its "rightful responsibility" for overseeing all matters of party funding.
Labour to change party funding system
Labour's National Executive Committee is to take responsibility for party funding, following the recent row over 'loans-for-peerages'. Following a meeting at 10 Downing Street, the NEC issued a statement saying that it would resume its "rightful responsibility" for overseeing all matters of party funding.
19 January 2007
PM's Aide arrested in cash for honours probe
One of the Prime Minister's senior aides has been arrested by police as part of the probe into alleged cash for honours. Director of Government Relations Ruth Turner was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Arrested at her London home, she was later released on bail without being charged.
PM's Aide arrested in cash for honours probe
One of the Prime Minister's senior aides has been arrested by police as part of the probe into alleged cash for honours. Director of Government Relations Ruth Turner was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Arrested at her London home, she was later released on bail without being charged.
28 November 2006
Details of party loans published
The main political parties have outstanding loans totaling around £60 million, the Electoral Commission has revealed. According to the Commission, at the end of September the Conservatives owed more than £35 million, while Labour had debts of more than £23 million. The Liberal Democrats owed £1.1 million.
Details of party loans published
The main political parties have outstanding loans totaling around £60 million, the Electoral Commission has revealed. According to the Commission, at the end of September the Conservatives owed more than £35 million, while Labour had debts of more than £23 million. The Liberal Democrats owed £1.1 million.
29 March 2006
Police could widen 'loans-for-peerages' investigation
Scotland Yard is considering whether to widen an inquiry into the 'loans-for-peerage' claims to include claims of corruption. The Metropolitan Police are already investigating allegations that laws banning the sale of peerages and other honours had been broken.
Police could widen 'loans-for-peerages' investigation
Scotland Yard is considering whether to widen an inquiry into the 'loans-for-peerage' claims to include claims of corruption. The Metropolitan Police are already investigating allegations that laws banning the sale of peerages and other honours had been broken.
16 March 2006
Blair denies link between cash and peerages
Prime Minister Tony Blair has denied any links between nominations for peerages and cash loans made to the Labour party.
Blair denies link between cash and peerages
Prime Minister Tony Blair has denied any links between nominations for peerages and cash loans made to the Labour party.
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