Leader's Bid To Put End To Donations Scandal

Feb 10 2008 By Mark Aitken Political Editor

WENDY ALEXANDER yesterday sought to draw a line under the donorgate row that engulfed her leadership of Scottish Labour.

In an emotive article for the Sunday Mail, she accepts full responsibility for her campaign team accepting a dodgy donation.

While insisting the Electoral Commission's decision to take no further action should be "the end of the matter", she admits:

The affair took its toll on her friends and family - and it was hard to make sure her twin children were not affected.

She could have quit because of the media pressure at the height of the row - but wasn't prepared to have her reputation questioned.

She also told the Sunday Mail: "Every politician has a bad day at the office. And I can't pretend that I've not had a few. I feel stronger for the experience no matter how difficult it has been at times."

But her efforts to put an end to Donorgate could be in vain as the SNP are refusing to let the matter drop.

Researcher Mark Hirst has complained to Strathclyde Police about the donation as a private individual.

Hirst said: "Wendy Alexander may face a police investigation yet.

"The judicial system has to be upheld so that justice is seen as being done."

The scandal erupted after Alexander's leadership campaign team accepted cash from Jersey-based businessman Paul Green.

He is not allowed to make political donations because he is not a UK voter.

Police yesterday confirmed they have received a complaint and are expected to announce this week if they will take the matter further.