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Paddick caught in EU fund row over campaign leaflet
Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor28.03.08
Lib-Dem mayoral candidate Brian Paddick was today facing claims that his campaign may have breached EU rules on party political spending.
The Tories called for an official inquiry after it emerged that one of Mr Paddick's recent leaflets was "supported by" the Liberal Democrats' grouping in the European Parliament.
Under strict rules, EU taxpayers' cash cannot be used to fund party political propaganda during an election period.
The four-page leaflet which has triggered the row was sent out last month by Lib-Dem HQ. It featured Mr Paddick opposing the closure of police stations across London. But a page highlighting the work of MEP Sarah Ludford carried the slogan "This column is supported by the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats".
Mr Paddick's agent Andrew Reeves said that he had decided not to apply for EU funds to pay for the leaflet after it became clear that some of the material may have been sent out after 17 March, when the official mayoral campaign started and the "purdah" period was imposed.
However, Bob Neill, shadow London minister, said: "This appears to be a serious misuse of taxpayers' money in support of a political campaign."
Reader views (4)
Heck, how did they find this out? The EU has not been able to have a clean audited financial report for 13 years now. European MPs are overpaid and have an almost unlimited expense account, and their value to the members of the EU is far outweighed by their cost. Mr Paddick is a viable and sensible alternative to the profligate spending of Livingstone and buffoon Johnson - so good luck to him!
- Tony, Potters Bar, Herts
Whoever can stop the glossy non compostable rant from the local council being junk mailed to me gets a possible vote.
- Lisaxian, London , England
Leave Paddick alone - just shows you how threatened the Tories are! Meanwhile I queried a postcard campaign containing Minister Lammy/our MP in which he is photoed a 'feature' of 'Pride of Tottenham', and the Electoral Commission commented that this could be seen as OK because he was a "representative" like the poor council taxpayers of Tottenham need a "Head of State"!
- L B, Haringey - London
We should also ask questions why Ken Livingstone opened an office in Brussels - if the aim was to promote exports abroad, then didn't the British Embassy already exist?
I suspect that the game is more politicking on an even bigger stage, as he has treated our continental cousins to presentations on how wonderful the Kengestion charge is, and encouraged them to impose it for the benefit of Londoners who visit their cities...
- Brian, London
