Target seat candidate rejects £1,000 Blair donation

It was revealed this week that Tony Blair would be making a donation of over £100,000 to Labour’s election campaign – in the form of £1,ooo to each of Labour’s 106 target seats.

The three-term prime minister is a divisive character in the Labour Party, and at least one candidate has rejected the money.

Lesley Brennan, who is standing in Dundee East, announced on Twitter this morning that she would not be accepting the donation from former Labour leader Blair:

https://twitter.com/lesleyeastend/status/574501626863599616

Brennan is up against the SNP’s Stewart Hosie, who is defending a majority of just 1,821. Labour held the seat until 2005, it is 34th in the target seat, and it is considered an SNP/Labour marginal. However, during the Scottish referendum Dundee became known as “Independence City” due to the high support for a Yes vote in the area, and current polling suggests Labour are unlikely to take any seats from the SNP.

UPDATE: It seems some candidates are a little more keen on the cash boost to their campaigns. Wes Streeting, candidate in Ilford North (83 on the target list), Kevin McKeever in Northampton South, and Louise Baldock in Stockton South (7 on target list) have all said they would be grateful for the funds.

https://twitter.com/kevinmckeever/status/574608258100563969