Osborne: I've made mistakes
George Osborne admits making mistakes in being party to discussions over potential donation from Russian oligarch
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Monday, 27, Oct 2008 08:19
George Osborne has admitted he made mistakes in being party to discussions over a potential donation from a Russian oligarch.
Speaking to The World at One, Mr Osborne strenuously denied trying to solicit a donation from Oleg Deripaska but admitted the incident had damaged his reputation.
"It's not what you say or do but how it looks," he said.
"To be honest this didn't look very good and that's something I regret."
Mr Osborne landed himself in a disastrous political storm by meeting with Mr Deripaska during a summer holiday in Corfu. He admitted discussing the possibility of a donation, but stressed the idea was ruled out.
But the fiasco had negative after-effects for the Conservatives, with the Sunday papers full of other instances of questionable Conservative donations.
It is against British law for foreign donors to give money to British political parties through UK businesses.
The comment comes as it was revealed Mr Osborne has been dropped from his role as fundraiser following talks with party leader David Cameron.
The shift highlights the consternation within Tory ranks at what is widely regarded as Mr Osborne's lack of judgment in meeting with Mr Deripaska.