Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Labour under investigation by Electoral Commission over Ed Stone receipts

The party says the problem is down to an administrative error

Jon Stone
Friday 22 January 2016 17:22 GMT
Comments
Labour leader Ed Miliband
Labour leader Ed Miliband (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Labour party has been put under investigation by the Electoral Commission for failing to file receipts for Ed Miliband’s engraved stone monolith.

Financial documentation of the so-called “Ed Stone” was initially missing from Labour’s initial filing to the Commission, which regulates elections in the UK.

The £2,430 stone obelisk was unveiled days before the 2015 election and bore Labour’s five main election pledges.

It was to be placed in the Downing Street garden in the event of a Labour win but was revealed yesterday to have been destroyed shortly after the party’s defeat.

On Friday the Commission said it had received the receipts. Labour said the problems were down to an administrative error.

“Ed Stone receipts now received. We’re investigating Labour over what happened,” the organisation said in a message on social media.

Miliband unveiling Labour’s pledges carved in stone in Hastings on 3 May
Miliband unveiling Labour’s pledges carved in stone in Hastings on 3 May (Getty Images)

The receipts show the monolith, unveiled by Mr Miliband in a car park in Hastings, was made by a company called “stoneCIRCLE”, a division of B&V Masonry.

Labour spokesperson said: “Due to an administrative error these invoices were not included with other items of campaign spend. We have informed the Electoral Commission and will seek to rectify this error as soon as possible.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in