Cabinet ministers in donor row
Updated on 27 November 2007
There were dramatic revelations in Labour's donations row this morning regarding the funding of a series of cabinet ministers.
The environment secretary Hilary Benn revealed that he was offered a £5,000 donation during his deputy leadership campaign, but rejected it because it was in the name of Janet Kidd not David Abrahams.
Mr Benn said Baroness Jay had told him the true originator of the donation was Mr Abrahams.
The revelations have thrown the spotlight on Labour's deputy leader Harriet Harman who is reported to have accepted a donation in the name of Janet Kidd.
Statement from Harriet Harman
"The Harriet Harman for Deputy Campaign received a donation of £5,000 in good faith from Janet Kidd on the 4 July 2007.
This donation was registered with the Electoral Commission on 17th July and published on the Electoral Commission's website on Tuesday 20 November 2007.
This donation was reported to the Cabinet Office under the Ministerial Code of Conduct on the 18 July 2007 and placed on the Register of Members Interests on the 18 July 2007.
The Permanent Secretary at the Department of Constitutional Affairs was also informed of this donation on the 13 September 2007.
Harriet was not aware of any funding arrangements regarding donations between David Abrahams and Janet Kidd."
