05 Dec 2008
“This matter has been thoroughly investigated by the Metropolitan Police following our referral in January and given careful consideration by the Crown Prosecution Service.
“The law requires that political parties and politicians report donations in full and on time. This is important to ensure public confidence in the democratic process. The Electoral Commission's role is to make sure the rules are followed. In this case, following discussion with the Metropolitan Police Service and the CPS, we referred the matter to the police because there was evidence that an offence may have been committed. The police decided to conduct an investigation, and passed the evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service. The decision on whether or not to bring a prosecution is a matter for the CPS.
“The CPS has said today that regulated donations were not reported to the Commission on time. However, they have said that Mr Hain was not the person responsible for reporting the donations, and that it is not possible to prove that anyone else involved with his campaign was responsible.
“The Electoral Commission wants to ensure that there is certainty about where responsibility for reporting donations lies in such circumstances. We will therefore be reviewing the implication of the CPS’s decision carefully and considering what steps will be needed to achieve this certainty, including possible changes to the law. “
/ends
For further information
Press@electoralcommission.org.uk
0207 271 0704
