Statement by John Mills concerning the Labour Party


It was reported today in the Daily Telegraph that I am to stop being a donor to the Labour Party. This is utterly untrue. It was also reported that I am to start funding organisations who wish to work to oust Jeremy Corbyn. This is also completely untrue.

I am always happy to talk to journalists both on and off the record. But in return, I do expect to be quoted accurately and my views given in a balanced way, without unnecessary 'spin'. The piece in the Daily Telegraph is wholly inaccurate because:

1. The Labour Party holds shares in my company, JML, which were donated by me. The Labour Party is therefore entitled to collect the dividends now, today, and for the indefinite future regardless of who leads the Party. That is their right.

2. I categorically deny that I am involved with any campaigns whatsoever to oust Jeremy Corbyn. I am not involved with Labour for the Common Good which is an organisation whose existence I've only read about in the papers along with everyone else. Jeremy Corbyn was fairly elected as leader of the Labour Party and has a mandate from the Party and its members.

3. After our defeat in May, I believe the Party needs fresh thinking and to this end I will consider funding established think-tanks and research organisations. This is the extent of any additional funding.

Finally, I'd like to reiterate that I've been a loyal member of the Labour Party for more than 40 years and will always remain so.

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