MP rapped over bookies’ donation

Shadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna was given the money by Neil Goulden, chairman of the Association of British Bookmakers, to meet staffing costs and to support his frontbench role.

The move led to accusations of hypocrisy from the Tories after Mr Umunna campaigned against the spread of bookmakers “that take advantage of our community” in his south London constituency.

The donation from Mr Goulden, who is also chairman emeritus of the Gala Coral Group, one of the UK’s biggest gambling chains, was declared in the register of MPs’ interests.

In April, Streatham MP Mr Umunna wrote in a local newspaper: “I know there is huge concern that some streets in our area are steadily filling up with betting shops and payday loan companies that take advantage of our community, rather than help us. I know how frustrating that feels.”

Conservative Party vice chairman Bob Neill said: “Can anyone really credibly ever believe anything Chuka Umunna says?

“He says one thing in public and does another behind closed doors. His hypocrisy seems to be limitless.”

A spokesman for Mr Umunna said: “This donation was made by an individual Labour Party supporter in a personal capacity, and was accepted in accordance with the rules and properly declared.”