By Steve Bargeton, political editor

Scottish Labour leader Wendy Alexander will have to wait until the early next year to find out whether an illegal donation to her leadership campaign is to be referred to police.

Almost three weeks ago the Scottish Labour Party admitted breaking the law by accepting a £950 cheque from a businessman resident in Jersey.

Despite at least two complaints, the police are not investigating until the matter has been considered by the official watchdog, the Electoral Commission.

It took the Electoral Commission a matter of days to call in the police over illegal payments made to the Labour Party in London.

However, yesterday it was made clear that no decision on the Alexander case will be made until after the New Year.

“The Electoral Commission will not be saying anything further on the Wendy Alexander donations issue until after the New Year holiday,” a spokesman said.

Last night Perth SNP MSP Roseanna Cunningham described the delay as outrageous.

“Wendy Alexander should be very concerned. If her evidence was so clear why is it taking so long?” she said.

“It is outrageous that the Electoral Commission won’t make a decision till the New Year when Labour MSPs have already admitted to breaking the law.

“If the commission does not act with the same haste as in England people will begin to ask questions about its role. With Lord Elder, one of Wendy’s donors, on its advisory board the commission needs to act and act now.

“The longer this is allowed to drag on, the more damage is done to Scottish politics. Let’s get this mess cleaned up now.”