The latest twists in the fundraising scandal

Gordon Brown’s press conference was, unsurprisingly, dominated by the Labour fundraising scandal. Notably, Brown described Peter Watt’s resignation as a “necessary first step.” He also expressed his confidence in Harriet Harman’s explanation of how she ended up accepting an improper donation. Although, Nick Robinson thinks that Harriet Harman should be “Worry. Very worried” by what Brown said or, more accurately, didn’t say.

For a contrarian take on this issue see Michael White’s Guardian Unlimited Diary. White writes,

“Don’t fall for the latest ”sleaze” campaign now being run by the media and the opposition about David Abrahams, the Geordie developer who smuggled £600,000 into Labour’s coffers through intermediaries.

Unless it can be shown that Mr Abrahams – who is not universally admired among north-east Labour MPs – acted from corrupt motives, for instance to influence planning decisions – as is being hinted at today – then it’s just a a procedural cock-up.”