Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Labour attacks pounds 1m Tory donation

Paul Waugh
Wednesday 09 December 1998 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

THE GOVERNMENT called on William Hague to reveal the identity of a pounds 1m mystery cash donor to the Tory party last night amid claims that it exploited aa tax loophole.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Stephen Byers, told the Commons that the Tories' treasurer, Michael Ashcroft, was linked to the payment. In a deliberate attempt to take the pressure off allegations about the tax status of the Pay-master-General, Mr Byers said the public had a right to know who had made the donation. "Why the secrecy? The only logical conclusion is the donor is registered in a tax haven."

A Tory spokesman admitted Mr Ashcroft was "linked" to the donor, but denied there had been any tax dodge.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in