A good day to smuggle out controversial news

I note that the BBC are reporting in the midst of their reshuffle update news that:

"Speaking about MPs' expenses, the Crown Prosecution Service says that "unless evidence is available which shows individuals deliberately misled the [House of Commons] fees office, it is highly unlikely that there could be a successful prosecution"."

Whilst I am not surprised at this turn of events, after all no MP, especially a Labour one, was likely to be prosecuted by the CPS; the release of this news today does smack a little of Jo Moore tactics.

What a surprise

The BBC triumphantly report that:

"The Crown Prosecution Service has said there is "insufficient evidence" for any charges in connection with David Abrahams' donations to Labour.

Three former Labour Party officials - Lord Triesman, Matthew Carter and Peter Watt - had been considered in relation to possible charges.

But the CPS said it had told all those involved there would be no charges over the incorrectly declared donations. "

Yes it's the old "insufficient evidence" excuse as seen in numerous labour party sleaze cases.

This sentence caught my eye:

"The Labour Party said it was still making arrangements for the repayment of the Abrahams donations."

I seem to remember labour claiming that the monies had been repaid at the time the story broke. Indeed the Sky News report today contains two contradictory statements:

1. "The money was repaid in full when the true source of the cash was revealed."

and

2. "Labour said it was still making arrangements for the repayment of the donations.

"The Labour Party put aside the donations in question in 2007 and will now seek advice about the best way to repay these donations."

Has the money been repaid or not?

Who, why?

Why would a recent visitor to this blog have come here from the CPS? Odd? Worrying?


UPDATE:
And two more...

What a surprise - there will be no police investigation

"Pavda" report that:

"The police will not investigate allegations against two members of the House of Lords accused of being willing to change laws in exchange for cash.

The Lib Dems referred the matter to police after newspaper allegations raised questions about the conduct of four Labour peers earlier this month.

But after consulting with the Crown Prosecution Service, the Metropolitan Police has decided against an inquiry.

A Lords Committee is looking into the allegations against the four men. "

To paraphrase The Strawbs -

"Oh you don't get me I'm part of the Party
You don't get me I'm part of the Party
You don't get me I'm part of the party
Till the day I die, till the day I die."