This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/7128820.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
New sleaze watchdog 'to be named' NSPCC chair to be sleaze watchdog
(about 2 hours later)
Gordon Brown has said he is about to announce a new head of the anti-sleaze watchdog, after seven months of the post being vacant. The NSPCC chairman Sir Christopher Kelly has been appointed standards watchdog by Gordon Brown - seven months after the post became vacant.
He told MPs the new chairman of the Committee for Standards in Public life would be named on Wednesday. Sir Christopher, previously the top civil servant at the Department of Health, becomes chairman of the Committee for Standards in Public life.
But, during prime minister's questions, Tory leader David Cameron criticised Mr Brown for delaying "one of the most important appointments in politics". The announcement in the Commons came shortly after David Cameron criticised the PM for delaying an appointment.
Former committee chairman Sir Alistair Graham's term ended earlier this year.Former committee chairman Sir Alistair Graham's term ended earlier this year.
Downing Street said that, following a recommendation from the Public Administration Select Committee, the appointment would be for a single non-renewable term of five years.
In a statement issued after the announcement, Mr Brown said: "Chris Kelly will bring to the role his significant experience in the public, private and voluntary sectors across a wide range of areas."
'Too long''Too long'
Mr Brown made the announcement about Sir Alistair's successor during lively exchanges over the row about hidden donations to the Labour Party. At prime minister's questions Mr Cameron told the prime minister: "You said in May that one of your first acts as prime minister would be to build the trust of the British people in our democracy.
Mr Cameron told the prime minister: "You said in May that one of your first acts as prime minister would be to build the trust of the British people in our democracy.
"For the last seven months the Committee on Standards in Public Life has been without a new chairman."For the last seven months the Committee on Standards in Public Life has been without a new chairman.
"Why has it taken so long to make that appointment?""Why has it taken so long to make that appointment?"
To Labour laughter, Mr Brown replied: "The new chairman is being announced today.To Labour laughter, Mr Brown replied: "The new chairman is being announced today.
"I would have thought in addition to the personalities of this, you'd be interested in the process."I would have thought in addition to the personalities of this, you'd be interested in the process.
"Do you support the changes we're recommending in electoral law and political party funding? Will you support a national and local limit on expenditure?""Do you support the changes we're recommending in electoral law and political party funding? Will you support a national and local limit on expenditure?"
'Ignorance''Ignorance'
Mr Brown criticised the Conservatives for leaving cross-party talks on political funding, adding: "What the right honourable gentleman has got to answer is, if he wants changes in the political system, why he spurned our proposals."Mr Brown criticised the Conservatives for leaving cross-party talks on political funding, adding: "What the right honourable gentleman has got to answer is, if he wants changes in the political system, why he spurned our proposals."
But Mr Cameron reiterated his party's position, which is that donations by trade unions to Labour must be included in any reforms.But Mr Cameron reiterated his party's position, which is that donations by trade unions to Labour must be included in any reforms.
He also said: "Sir Alastair Graham, the former chairman, said the last fortnight had demonstrated 'monumental incompetence and an ignorance of the law which beggars belief'." He also said: "Sir Alistair Graham, the former chairman, said the last fortnight had demonstrated 'monumental incompetence and an ignorance of the law which beggars belief'."
The debate comes amid revelations that Labour was given £663,975 by David Abrahams via four associates.The debate comes amid revelations that Labour was given £663,975 by David Abrahams via four associates.
Mr Brown has promised to return the money.Mr Brown has promised to return the money.
However, Electoral Commission sources now say it is likely to be forfeited by Mr Abrahams and paid into government reserves.However, Electoral Commission sources now say it is likely to be forfeited by Mr Abrahams and paid into government reserves.
Under electoral law donations have to be given back to the donor within 30 days - after which the money is paid into the Treasury's Consolidated Fund.Under electoral law donations have to be given back to the donor within 30 days - after which the money is paid into the Treasury's Consolidated Fund.