Labour has established a new committee to probe major donations but has dismissed claims that the move represents an admission of wrongdoing, sleaze or misjudgement over past cash gifts.

It comes in the wake of a series of "scandals" over major donations to the party.

The six-member committee, which will also act as Labour's fundraising body, will assess whether donors are suitable in line with a new blueprint.

But Labour Party chairman, Charles Clarke, said the new body would not sit in moral judgement on donors.