LABOUR was embroiled in a donations row last night amid fears betting taxes will be hiked.
Tories demanded answers over anti-gambling crusader Derek Webb’s £500,000 to Labour before the election.
Mr Webb has already been successful in a campaign to cut the stakes on fixed-odds betting machines from £100 to just £2.
Ministers are contemplating hiking betting levies to help fix public finances — which could cost the gambling industry up to £3billion.
Shadow sports minister Louie French told The Sun last night: “The relationship between another key Labour crony and those who seek to ruin the fun of millions raises questions about who’s in the saddle in No 10.
“This nanny state tax will not only bash the bookies, but it will destroy thousands of jobs, hurt British sport and fuel the black market.”
Mr Webb’s spokesman said: “He supports initiatives around reducing gambling harm.
“He is in good company asking for increased online gambling tax, being alongside former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, businessman John Caudwell and a petition by 38 Degrees, whose polling shows this would be popular amongst voters of all parties.”
After racecourse meetings were cancelled this week in protest, treasury minister Dan Tomlinson insisted: “The Chancellor is clear that speculation on tax rises is inaccurate and irresponsible.”
Labour added: “Donations do not influence party or government policy.”
