Labour attacks Tories over 'pro-hunt donation'
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Nick Herbert, the shadow Environment Secretary, has received a £5,000 donation from a leading defender of foxhunting. The cash came from the Duke of Norfolk, who recently launched a legal attempt to ban hunt protesters from private estates.
The money was handed over two months ago and declared in the latest Register of Members' Interests. Labour claimed the donation ran counter to rules requiring shadow ministers to avoid any "conflict of interest" that arise from their job. Mary Creagh, the MP for Wakefield, denounced Mr Herbert for being happy to take cash from people wanting a "return to this barbaric sport". Mr Herbert responded: "The idea that our policy or my views on this issue, which are well-known and long-standing, have recently been influenced by any donation is absurd." The Conservatives have promised to provide time for a free vote on repealing the 2004 Hunting Act if they win the election.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments