Dave Thompson MSP

Treasury Minister must practice what he preaches

The SNP is today calling for Lib Dem Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander to return a £50,000 political donation, following a report in the Sunday Herald.

The newspaper states that Danny Alexander has received the donation from Alan Savage, who it reports has previously admitted not paying the Inland Revenue money rightly owed.  Mr Alexander’s acceptance of the donation comes despite his previous claims to be “livid” about people who “avoid paying the proper amount of tax”.

Commenting, SNP MSP Dave Thompson said: "As a Treasury Chief Secretary, Danny Alexander should be more careful to practice what he preaches.

“He claims to be 'livid' about companies and individuals who don't pay their proper share of tax, yet he has just accepted a big campaign donation from someone who by his own admission was avoiding tax owed the Inland Revenue. It just underlines that you can't believe a word the Lib Dems say about anything.

“For the sake of the credibility of his anti-tax avoidance message, Danny Alexander should consider returning this money.

Note:

The donation was reported in the Sunday Herald dated 21st December: http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/scottish-politics/alexander-under-pressure-to-return-50000-donation-from-tax-avoider.26133698