Watt resigns over cash gifts

BRITISH Labour Party general secretary Peter Watt resigned last night over revelations a party donor gave £400,000 (€560,000) without revealing his identity.

Mr Watt said he had been aware of David Abrahams’ arrangements to give the cash to the party via “gifts” to friends and colleagues. He had believed he had complied with party funding rules, but had now been informed that there were “additional reporting requirements”.

In a statement, he said: “Once I discovered this error, I immediately notified the officers of the National Executive Committee. I take full responsibility for the Labour Party’s reporting obligations.

“Consistent with my own and the party’s commitment to the highest standards in public life, it is with great sadness I have decided to resign my position.”

Electoral Commission records show large donations from Mr Abrahams’ associates, Ray Ruddick and Janet Kidd, culminating in gifts of £80,000 from each of them on a single day in July.