Menu
04/02/2008
Scottish Labour Leader Protests Innocence Over Donations
Scottish Labour Leader Wendy Alexander has defiantly insisted she will not be stepping down despite being reported to prosecuting authorities for not registering donations to her leadership campaign.
Ms Alexander stated that she had no intention of following the precedent set by Peter Hain, who resigned 10 days ago as Work and Pensions Secretary after the Electoral Commission referred donations to his UK deputy leadership campaign to the police.
Last week, Ms Alexander publicly declared the top donors to her leadership campaign, naming 10 supporters who each gave just under £1,000. Ms Alexander explained she was disclosing the donors' details following advice from Dr Jim Dyer, the Scottish Parliamentary Standards Commissioner.
Initially Alexander had been advised she did not need to register the donations on Holyrood's register of MSPs' interests - but Labour said Dr Dyer later told them this was "incorrect", which then lead to Ms Alexander detailing the donations.
Ms Alexander maintains that she is innocent and is determined to clear her name.
In a statement on Sunday Alexander said the Standards Commissioner had to refer the case to the procurator fiscal automatically.
She added: "I am clear that suggestions that I have been guilty of trying to subvert the law in the registration of donations are completely unfounded.
"I am also very clear that the Labour Party and Scottish politics would be ill-served by my resignation.
"Despite the smears and accusations from my political opponents, I will not stand down for having followed the Parliamentary authorities' guidance," she said.
(GC)
Ms Alexander stated that she had no intention of following the precedent set by Peter Hain, who resigned 10 days ago as Work and Pensions Secretary after the Electoral Commission referred donations to his UK deputy leadership campaign to the police.
Last week, Ms Alexander publicly declared the top donors to her leadership campaign, naming 10 supporters who each gave just under £1,000. Ms Alexander explained she was disclosing the donors' details following advice from Dr Jim Dyer, the Scottish Parliamentary Standards Commissioner.
Initially Alexander had been advised she did not need to register the donations on Holyrood's register of MSPs' interests - but Labour said Dr Dyer later told them this was "incorrect", which then lead to Ms Alexander detailing the donations.
Ms Alexander maintains that she is innocent and is determined to clear her name.
In a statement on Sunday Alexander said the Standards Commissioner had to refer the case to the procurator fiscal automatically.
She added: "I am clear that suggestions that I have been guilty of trying to subvert the law in the registration of donations are completely unfounded.
"I am also very clear that the Labour Party and Scottish politics would be ill-served by my resignation.
"Despite the smears and accusations from my political opponents, I will not stand down for having followed the Parliamentary authorities' guidance," she said.
(GC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 January 2010
Govt Supports Haiti Relief
Humanitarian relief work in Haiti will be supported by a $10 million donation from the UK Department for International Development. International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander announced the money as part of an international response to the catastrophe. He said: "It is already clear that we are facing a major humanitarian crisis.
Govt Supports Haiti Relief
Humanitarian relief work in Haiti will be supported by a $10 million donation from the UK Department for International Development. International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander announced the money as part of an international response to the catastrophe. He said: "It is already clear that we are facing a major humanitarian crisis.
21 November 2011
Chief Praises Four Officers Stabbed In London
The four police officers that were injured as they dealt with a violent man in Kingsbury on Saturday have been praised for their bravery by their commander. The incident occurred on Saturday morning when the 32-year-old man with a large knife was believed to have struck out at officers trying to subdue him.
Chief Praises Four Officers Stabbed In London
The four police officers that were injured as they dealt with a violent man in Kingsbury on Saturday have been praised for their bravery by their commander. The incident occurred on Saturday morning when the 32-year-old man with a large knife was believed to have struck out at officers trying to subdue him.
25 March 2010
Stuffed Tiger Seized
Police have seized a stuffed adult tiger from a central London studio which is believed to have been touted for an illegal sale. A 47-year-old man was also arrested after officers became aware of the planned sale of the animal, which was once used by the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen in a photoshoot.
Stuffed Tiger Seized
Police have seized a stuffed adult tiger from a central London studio which is believed to have been touted for an illegal sale. A 47-year-old man was also arrested after officers became aware of the planned sale of the animal, which was once used by the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen in a photoshoot.
07 July 2009
Anti-Poverty Plan Will Help World's Poorest
A new poverty action plan to help the world's poorest people cope with the economic crisis was announced today by International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander.
Anti-Poverty Plan Will Help World's Poorest
A new poverty action plan to help the world's poorest people cope with the economic crisis was announced today by International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander.
23 October 2006
Mother escapes jail sentence over baby's death
A single mother who started a fire at her home in which her four-month-old son died has been spared a jail sentence at Newcastle Crown Court. Danielle Wails, 22, was sentenced to a three-year community order, after pleading guilty to killing Alexander Gallon.
Mother escapes jail sentence over baby's death
A single mother who started a fire at her home in which her four-month-old son died has been spared a jail sentence at Newcastle Crown Court. Danielle Wails, 22, was sentenced to a three-year community order, after pleading guilty to killing Alexander Gallon.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Dry, bright start this morning with best of sunshine in the west. Thickening cloud over Down and Antrim this morning with a few showers, extending westwards this afternoon. Lighter winds. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:Rather cloudy and mainly dry at first, then showery outbreaks of rain extending westwards to most places during the night, turning heavier towards morning. Light winds. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
