Gordon Browns New Labour accused of new sleaze

The Electoral Commission in Britain has confirmed that it is investigating a group called the Muslim Friends of Labour, which gave Gordon Browns New Labour party 100,000 pounds a month between April and June.

London, Aug.27 : The Electoral Commission in Britain has confirmed that it is investigating a group called the Muslim Friends of Labour, which gave Gordon Brown's New Labour party 100,000 pounds a month between April and June.

It is the first such inquiry since Gordon Brown became Prime Minister in June.

Glasgow-based Imran Khand is alleged to have injected large sums into the organisation. But as his cash did not go direct to Labour, his identity remained secret, reports the Daily Mail.

Until recently, the organisation donated only small amounts, but it is now the party's second biggest non-union donor.

The Muslim Friends of Labour - registered to a PO box in South London - is an "unincorporated" association, which means that it does not have to identify people who give it money.

The election commission is investigating its status amid allegations that it is actually a members' association, made up "wholly or mainly" of members of a political party.

If so, it would be breaking the law by failing to disclose the details of any donor of more than 5,000 pounds.

Labour MPs have repeatedly condemned Tories for accepting cash from the Midlands Industrial Council, another unincorporated association.

Khand could not be contacted.

ANI