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Businessman gave two donations  

By LUCY MILLARD - 13-03-1999

Two donations were made to Mrs Fiona Jones' election expenses by businessman Mr Colin MacLeod after she had a meeting with him, the court was told on Monday. 

Mrs Jones said she had met Mr MacLeod, then chairman of Caledonian Mining of Carlton-on-Trent, during a series of visits to business people in the Newark area after being selected as the prospective candidate.

Her barrister, Mr Roy Amlot, said Mr MacLeod had initially sent £10,000 saying he wanted the money to be used by Mrs Jones and Sherwood MP Mr Paddy Tipping.

The letter said he wanted the money to be used to help them in the next election and said he felt both would be an asset to the county.

Mr Amlot asked Mrs Jones what she did with the cheque. She said it was sent to the regional office of the Labour Party which decided it was appropriate to take the donation.

Mr Amlot said it was decided to divide the money, with two thirds going to Mrs Jones and a third to Mr Tipping.

Mr Amlot asked what the reason was for the division and Mrs Jones said: "We discussed it and Paddy Tipping felt he would simply take a third."

Mrs Jones said Mr MacLeod had told her he wanted to help but she didn't know the size of the donation he was planning. Mr Amlot said Mr MacLeod sent a further cheque for £10,000.

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