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Hain donations file handed to CPS | Hain donations file handed to CPS |
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Police have handed over evidence relating to donations to Peter Hain's deputy Labour leadership bid last year to the Crown Prosecution Service. | Police have handed over evidence relating to donations to Peter Hain's deputy Labour leadership bid last year to the Crown Prosecution Service. |
It follows an inquiry into the late declaration of more than £100,000 given to his failed campaign. | It follows an inquiry into the late declaration of more than £100,000 given to his failed campaign. |
The Metropolitan Police said the CPS would say whether more inquiries were needed or charges should be brought. | |
Mr Hain, who quit the cabinet over the issue, said he wanted to clear his name "as quickly as possible". | |
'Innocent mistake' | |
He ran to be Labour's deputy leader but came fifth out of six candidates in last year's contest. | |
All those taking part should have told the Electoral Commission about any donations towards the campaign. | |
Mr Hain has admitted that although he declared £77,000 on time, a further £5,000 was not declared until November - and in January admitted that a further £103,000 should have been reported. | |
In total, 17 donations were reported late to the commission. | |
After the case files were handed to the CPS, Mr Hain said: "As I have said all along this was a mistake by my campaign, but an innocent mistake. | |
"When I discovered the problem it was I who immediately notified the authorities that a number of donations had been declared late. | "When I discovered the problem it was I who immediately notified the authorities that a number of donations had been declared late. |
"I have consistently provided them with all the information they might need, and I hope to see my name cleared as quickly as possible." | "I have consistently provided them with all the information they might need, and I hope to see my name cleared as quickly as possible." |
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We have had regular consultation with the CPS since the inquiry began and it is now a matter for the CPS to consider the evidence, advise us on whether any further enquiries are necessary and whether any charges should be brought." | |
Under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, donations have to be reported within 60 days of being offered. | Under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, donations have to be reported within 60 days of being offered. |
Before he resigned to "clear my name", Mr Hain, Labour MP for Neath, had been the work and pensions secretary and Welsh secretary. |