Nick Clegg faces funds questions

Published on Thursday 22 April 2010 00:34

QUESTIONS were raised over Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg's funding arrangements last night, after it was reported that he received a series of payments from party donors directly into his private bank account.

The Daily Telegraph reported that three donors paid up to 250 a month into Mr Clegg's account before he became party leader. Lib Dems said the money went to pay for a member of staff in Mr Clegg's parliamentary office and denied there was anything improper about the payments.

But a former chairman of the committee on standards in public life said the arrangement appeared "irregular". Sir Alistair Graham said: "Given that he's been very holier than thou about these things, it would seem he has some explaining to do to his party and to the electorate."

Copies of Mr Clegg's personal bank statements submitted during 2006 to back up his expenses claims recorded "automated payments" from Ian Wright, a senior executive at drinks firm Diageo; Neil Sherlock, the head of public affairs at accountants KPMG; and Michael Young, a former gold-mining executive.

A Liberal Democrat spokesman said: "The donations were properly made and declared."