The Electoral Commission has finally concluded its probe into Labour's illegal donations saga saying no further action will be taken against MSP Charles Gordon.

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The Electoral Commission has finally concluded its probe into Labour's illegal donations saga saying no further action will be taken against MSP Charles Gordon.

The watchdog announced yesterday that an illegal loan of £950 from Jersey businessman Paul Green had been repaid by Mr Gordon's Glasgow South Labour Party, and on that basis there would be no further proceedings. A fortnight ago the Commission also ruled that there would be no further proceedings against Wendy Alexander over an illegal donation to her party leadership campaign.

Last night Mr Gordon argued that the commission's decision not to proceed against him drew a line under the affair.

But opponents claimed the continued gap between admitted breaches of the law and action against politicians would erode public confidence in the system.

An SNP spokesperson argued: "It comes as no surprise that following the commission's decision on Wendy Alexander no action will be taken against Charlie Gordon.

"It looks like Charlie Gordon's future will now be determined by the people of Cathcart, unless Glasgow South Labour party take the decision for them."

Mr Gordon told The Herald last night: "I found out from the commission a fortnight ago when they made their statement on Wendy.

"I think that confirms what I was told by the commission two weeks ago. I am obviously relieved about it because it's been hanging over me for the last three months."

He said: "I obviously made a serious human error and I regret the fact that my mistake embroiled other people. But at no time did I set out to do wrong and I am glad that that fact has been accepted."

Asked whether he was looking forward to a revived career, he said: "I'm not focused on that. I was author of my own misfortunes in terms of my initial error, and people have used my silence during this period to settle old scores and put the boot in.

"I ran a clean administration at Glasgow during 20 years as a councillor and 39 years as a Labour activist. I am not a dishonest man. I was not primarily targeted ,but people took the opportunity when I was down and had to remain silent to use innuendo to imply other things about me."

Mr Gordon is now looking to rebuild his political career. He said: "It hasn't stopped me doing my work for constituents but it has been a restraint on my parliamentary activities and I intend to raise my profile again in the chamber, but I am not focused on my personal ambitions.

"It hasn't killed me so it has made me stronger."

But attempts by Mr Gordon and Ms Alexander to put the whole saga behind them are likely to face further difficulty in the press.

Ms Alexander may have been cleared by the Electoral Commission over one set of donations, but inquiries continue over her receipt of funds from Labour fundraising dinners and her decision to lodge a motion praising Braehead shopping centre without flagging up the fact that she had received donations from some of those involved.