Sun’s false claim Ed M’s in the pocket of the unions

Ed Miliband's leadership campaign may not have the money that his older brother David's does, but he is sure that the support of 4,500 volunteers has made up for it. Figures released by the Electoral Commission today show that Ed's fundraising last month overtook David's by nearly £21,500.

Ed Miliband’s leadership campaign may not have the money that his older brother David’s does, but he is sure that the  support of 4,500 volunteers has made up for it. Figures released by the Electoral Commission today show that Ed’s fundraising last month overtook David’s by nearly £21,500.

Today’s ‘slur’ in the Sun, which describes various unions of trying to “buy” Miliband junior suggests that they are trying to pay for influence.

“Unite spent £200,000 on pro-Ed letters to 1.1million members. It also spent £20,000 on texts. Ed’s campaign got £28,000 from the GMB in July, and a £105,000 donation from Unite will be confirmed today.

“In return, they want Ed to boost their power if he ever gets to No10.”

In an email sent to members last night, Ed said:

“We still need your help in these final days if we are to make our strong campaign count, win this election and show that we can turn those values into action for the people we serve.”

So far, the campaign has raised a total of £328,000 with £133,000 donated by trade unions and £95,000 coming from small donations.

Other payments disclosed to the Electoral Commission show that David’s campaign, which is said to have raised over £450,000 since May, has taken a variety of donations, including from unions. Ed Balls has had £100,000 donated to him by author, Ken Follett, and an additional £23,000 from donors such as the Communication Workers Union. Andy Burnham has taken £37,4000 from businesses and individuals, including footballer Jamie Carragher.

Diane Abbott is yet to disclose any donations.

All information regarding disclosed donations to all five candidates is available from the Electoral Commission.

25 Responses to “Sun’s false claim Ed M’s in the pocket of the unions”

  1. Shamik Das

    Sun's false claim @Ed_Miliband's in the pocket of the unions: http://bit.ly/9O9I2z writes @clairee_french on @leftfootfwd

  2. GuyAitchison

    RT @leftfootfwd: Suns false claim @Ed_Miliband in pocket of unions http://bit.ly/9O9I2z > But union backing surely better than millionaires'

  3. Daniel Mayhew

    Ed is old labour and of course hill have backing from unions, there are paying for him for power sorry it true it’s the 70’s

  4. James Anthony

    “@leftfootfwd: Sun's false claim @Ed_Miliband's in the pocket of the unions: http://bit.ly/9O9I2z” and re pic's from the event at my branch

  5. Ell Aitch

    Ah the sun, what a load of tosh. RT @leftfootfwd: Sun's false claim @Ed_Miliband's in the pocket of the unions: http://bit.ly/9O9I2z

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