Council deals are being investigated by police

Doncaster Labour Party Suspended

It follows news that the police have widened a major fraud inquiry in the area linked to Labour councillors. Two hundred land deals are now being investigated.

Earlier this year, the district auditor pointed to widespread abuse of hospitality and expenses, and made allegations of improper relationships between councillors and property developers.

Senior officials in Yorkshire sent a report to Labour's NEC calling for "strong steps" to be taken.

Four senior councillors, including the former council leader, deputy leader and planning chairman, have already been suspended from the council's ruling Labour group. The council's chief executive also took early retirement after being suspended.

The Prime Minister has made it clear that he intends to take the firmest action where there are any suspicions of Labour members acting improperly. He is determined to deal with all such incidents quickly and thoroughly to avoid any blight on his Government.

A blanket suspension in Doncaster will lead to the Northern and Yorkshire party officials being brought in to scrutinise would-be Labour candidates. They will also have the power to de-select sitting councillors.

Doncaster is not be the first district party to be suspended. Both Liverpool and Lambeth have experienced similar censure in the past.