Hain cleared by funding inquiry
Updated on 05 December 2008
Former Cabinet minister Peter Hain said he is "pleased" the investigation into his deputy Labour Party leadership campaign had cleared his name.
The Neath MP resigned as Work and Pensions and Welsh Secretary in January when a police inquiry was launched into the handling of his campaign finances.
He said: "I chose to leave Government to clear my name and I am pleased I have now done so.
"I said all along that reporting some of the donations to my 2007 Labour Party deputy leader campaign late was an honest mistake. Now everyone knows that it was.
"After ten months in limbo while the inquiry took its course, I now look forward to tackling again the issues of social justice, human rights and equality, as I have done for all 40 years of my political life, both outside and inside government, from anti-apartheid protester to Cabinet minister.
"I am especially grateful to my Neath constituents who have given me wonderful support during a difficult period for my family and I."
In a statement, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there is insufficient evidence to charge Mr Hain with any offences in relation to the mid-2007 campaign.
Stephen O'Doherty, of the CPS special crime division, said prosecutors could not prove Mr Hain handled the unreported donations.
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