Party spending plans condemned
Friday, 1 August 2008 12:00 AM
Government plans to halt the 'arms race' in spending between the two main parties have been challenged by the Electoral Commission.
Jack Straw, justice secretary, wants a cap on funding during election campaigns, but Peter Wardle, head of the commission says he has "grave reservations" about the government's course of action.
A Commission spokesperson said: "We have made clear to all the main parties our views on controls on candidate spending before elections.
"We have said for some time that we think the current regulated period for candidate spending is too short, but that any change in the rules would need to address the scope for uncertainty and avoidance.
"It may be possible to achieve this with the right combination of statutory rules and Commission guidance. However, we would want to consider any changes carefully to ensure our guidance works with any changes to the law to achieve a fair framework for all candidates."
Tories say Labour are merely trying to enhance their own election prospects by limiting the influence of major donors - such as Lord Ashcroft, a pivotal source of Conservative funding.
Labour, on the other hand, are £18.9 million in debt and reliant on the trade unions for their financial stability.
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