Islington Tribune - News: Emily Thornberry | Apology

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 14 November 2008

MP Emily Thornberry

MP wins apology over funds claim

LABOUR MP Emily Thornberry has won a four-figure payment and a public apology after Islington Lib Dems wrongly accused her of misusing public funds.
The Islington South and Finsbury MP consulted lawyers over Lib Dem claims in the October 2007 edition of their newsletter that she used public funds for party political purposes.
After months of negotiations, the Lib Dems agreed last week to settle with the MP financially and make a public apology in their newsletter.
It reads: “In the October 2007 edition of Islington News we referred to a finding by the Commissioner for Parliamentary Standards in relation to Ms Thornberry.
“We were wrong to claim that Ms Thornberry misused public funds for party political purposes and we accept that she did not do so and that the Commissioner did not uphold that complaint.
“We apologise to her for any embarrassment that we caused.”
Ms Thornberry said: “I’m more than happy to have a debate on the issues. I don’t mind having a debate on politics but I’m not prepared to have people telling lies about me.”
Emma Gowers, chairwoman of Islington Lib Dems, said she could not comment on the payment, but added: “No forfeit payment was made, no damages were paid to her and this is a private matter between ourselves.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: