Labour donor in funding warning

Willie Haughey interview

A leading Labour Party donor has decided to withhold future donations until the anonymity rules are changed.

Glasgow businessman Willie Haughey, who has given Labour more than £1m, said no-one should be able to keep their identity out of the public domain.

At present, donors can seek anonymity if they give under £1,000.

Mr Haughey also told BBC Scotland that he agreed with a £50,000 cap on donations, but added that the decision would be up to politicians.

Mr Haughey's comments came amid continuing controversy over contributions to Labour both north and south of the border.

'Generous' donor

"This is not a snub to the Labour Party, this is a snub to the system," he said.

"Outwith your dues to a party, if you're a member, outside that, with any donations you make there should be total transparency.

"What I'm certainly saying is if there's not complete transparency in political giving in the future then I certainly won't give to any party."

Labour MSP Johann Lamont told BBC Scotland's Politics Show that the contribution made to the debate by Mr Haughey - who she said had been generous to many other groups as well as the Labour Party - would be listened to very carefully.