Election Party of Southall MP Under Investigation

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After allegations that an undeclared donation helped pay for it

A party to celebrate the election of the Ealing Southall Labour MP, Virendra Sharma, is under investigation after claims that the Indian tourism office had donated £5,000 towards the event.

The party, was attended by David Miliband, the former foreign secretary, and Lord Paul, the Labour donor, and was held on May 23 last year at Monsoon Banqueting Suites in Southall.

Accepting donations from foreign sources is illegal under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

It's being reported in the Telegraph that the Electoral Commission are now involved in an “assessment” of what, if any, involvement the Indian-born Sharma had with the donation.

Virendra Sharma has told the newspaper:'' I welcome the opportunity to have the facts properly examined and will fully co-operate with the Electoral Commission so that this matter can be resolved without delay.”

 

 

16th September 2011