Liberal Democrat peer resigns over donor allegations

The Electoral Commission has confirmed it is investigating the case of a Liberal Democrat peer facing accusations of misconduct over illegal donations.

Lord Strasburger, who denies any wrongdoing, has resigned the party whip while the Electoral Commission examines the allegations.

A spokesman for the Commission told ITV News: “We are aware of what's been reported and are establishing the facts before determining what further steps to take.”

The Liberal Democrats have said the party is taking the allegations of illegal donations against Lord Strasburger seriously after "important questions" were raised by Channel 4.

A Lib Dem spokesman said: "It is common practice for senior party figures from all parties to meet with potential and current donors.

"Dispatches has raised important questions about one particular donation, which the party is taking seriously. The Party had no reason to believe that the donation was made by anyone other than the person who signed the cheque.

"When we were alerted to the claim that this donation may, without our knowledge, have been made on someone else's behalf, we referred this matter to the Electoral Commission, and requested their advice on whether the donation should be handed to the Commission or returned to the donor. We shall comply fully with their investigation and any recommendations they may make as a result

"The party has also introduced an additional level of scrutiny to donations to the federal party, over and above legal requirements. This will apply with immediate effect."

The Liberal Democrat peer at the centre of a donor row uncovered by channel 4, insists he has done nothing wrong.

Lord Strasburger, who accused the programme makers of "cynical and contrived entrapment-style journalism" said he had resigned the whip "for the sake of the party".

"I am a retired businessman, I am not a career politician," the peer said. "In a purely voluntary capacity, I have been helping the party with fundraising. I have gained no personal benefit in doing so.

"Whatever Channel 4 may say in their Dispatches programme, I do not think I have committed any offence. Having said that, I believe that we should all be accountable for what we do, so I have invited the Electoral Commission to carry out an investigation into my actions.

"In the meantime, whilst I maintain that I have committed no offence, I have stopped fund-raising for the party."

A Liberal Democrat peer has resigned from his party's group in the House of Lords amid allegations expected to be made in a Channel 4 investigation.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Dispatches will allege "a £10,000 donation was paid by the stepfather of an undercover businessman which would be against the rules on donations."

Lord Strasburger of Langridge denied doing anything wrong.

The allegations are expected to be broadcast in the Channel 4 programme next week.