Sleaze watchdog keeps 'open mind'

Committee chairman Lord Neill says his members have no preconceptions

The Committee on Standards in Public Life has begun its first hearings into the way political parties are funded.

In his opening remarks, the chairman, Lord Neill, said the committee would be tackling some difficult issues, including the use of referendums.

Lord Neill said his committee had an "open mind" on the issues before them and "no preconceived ideas about how political parties should be funded."

He welcomed the first of a series of witnesses who were giving evidence on the way British political parties should be financed.

Starting with a clean slate

Earlier, Lord Neill told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that there would have to be legislation to resolve the question of funding parties.

But he stressed that the committee had not yet formed any opinions on the job before it.

He said that committee members have from time to time "been coaxed into stating views".

The Standards Committee now open

"None of these remarks represent the considered opinions of this committee. The reason is very simple. The committee hasn't formed any opinion - save that the questions asked in our discussion paper are relevant questions."

The inquiry, which has to report in the summer, has already received more than 300 written submissions.

The committee will interview experts and scrutinise every aspect of funding - from the declaration of donations to state support.

It is uncertain whether Bernie Ecclestone will give evidence

Lord Neill's committee launched its inquiry last month - at the height of the furore over Labour's links with motor racing - following a request from the Prime Minister Tony Blair.

But the public hearing began amid uncertainty as to whether Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone was prepared to give evidence.

Mr Ecclestone was at the centre of a controversy over his £1m donation to Labour before the General Election, although the money was later returned.