UK NEWS
HAIN QUITS AS THE POLICE ARE CALLED IN OVER £103,000 GIFTS
FORCED OUT: Peter Hain
By Macer Hall and John Twomey
GORDON Brown was under fire for “dithering” last night after Peter Hain finally resigned from the Cabinet.
The Work and Pensions Secretary quit when his failure to declare polit-ical donations totalling £103,000 was referred to Scotland Yard.
Mr Hain vowed to clear his name over the allegations, claiming: “I made a mistake but it was an innocent mistake.”
But the Prime Minister, who had tried to dismiss the sleaze allegations as “an incompetence”, faced anger for standing by the beleaguered minister for weeks.
The resignation was the first from the Cabinet since Mr Brown became Prime Minister, and represents a damaging blow to his already tarnished authority.
It piles pressure on Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman and Labour’s Scottish leader Wendy Alexander, who are also embroiled in scandals over concealed donations.
Mr Hain offered his resignation in a brief but highly emotional phone call to Mr Brown. The Prime Minister agreed the possible police inquiry made his position “untenable”.
Mr Hain pleaded with Mr Brown to allow him to return to the Cabinet if he is cleared of any unlawful activity.
But the Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “It was not a protracted conversation.”
Just minutes earlier, the minister, who was also Welsh Secretary, had been told that the watchdog Electoral Commission was referring his case to the police.
Mr Hain then faced TV cameras to pledge to fight to prove his innocence. Blinking back tears, he said: “I severely and seriously regret the mistake in declaring donations late.”
He added: “In view of the decision of the Electoral Commission, I have come to the conclusion that I have no alternative but to resign as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Secretary of State for Wales.
“I have co-operated as soon as I was able to with the Electoral Commission, providing all the details they have asked for. I will of course co-operate in the future with the police and with any other authorities that wish to ask questions about this.”
Although Mr Hain’s resignation had been expected, the timing took Westminster by surprise. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith was said to have “turned white” after being passed a note as she was briefing journalists at the Home Office.
Shocked Harriet Harman was told while addressing the Commons, and Health Secretary Alan Johnson learned of the departure during a live BBC radio interview. Presenter Jeremy Vine told him: “Judging by the expression on your face that took you by surprise.”
Tories seized on Mr Hain’s resignation as evidence of Mr Brown’s indecision and lack of authority. Conservative leader David Cameron said: “It’s the right decision, but it shouldn’t have happened in this way.”
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Chris Grayling said: “This raises serious issues for Gordon Brown. He needs to show he is capable of sorting out this mess.”
Video 
SNEAKY GORDON BROWN SAYS
25.01.08, 4:40pm
"Hain resigned for the good of the country"
It's more to the truth he's been caught out and his contuining presence is an embarrassment!!
• Posted by: TicToc • Report Comment
HOW LONG
25.01.08, 7:41am
How long before he is back with another favour and grace job to line his pockets, like all the disgraced and failed Ministers before him?
WATCH THIS SPACE.
• Posted by: RobertG • Report Comment
HAIN
25.01.08, 4:48am
he is only one what about the rest of them?????
a
• Posted by: ANNR • Report Comment
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