I am referring to a different part of the legislation. I cannot quote from it now, because I do not have access to it. However, I suggest that it is disingenuous of the hon. Gentleman to have made a speech in which he did not make a single criticism of any proposal in the Bill. [Interruption.] No, he did not make a single criticism of it. Now he proposes to vote against it. He should beware of supporting an Opposition who clearly have an interest in delaying the Bill, when his own parliamentary colleagues are suffering from the effects of this loophole because Ashcroft money is being spent against their interests as much as those of Labour Members.
Let me read the hon. Gentleman what Lord Ashcroft said in his last book, appropriately entitled ““Dirty Politics, Dirty Times””. He pointed out gleefully:"““Of the 33 candidates who won seats from Labour or the Liberal Democrats, no fewer than 25 had received support from the fund that I had set up with Leonard Steinberg and the Midlands Industrial Group””"
—which, incidentally, clearly meant making use of that loophole.
Political Parties and Elections Bill
Proceeding contribution from
Martin Linton
(Labour)
in the House of Commons on Monday, 20 October 2008.
It occurred during Debate on bills on Political Parties and Elections Bill.
About this proceeding contribution
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2007-08Chamber / Committee
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