Ed Balls faces large fine over car crash

Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls faces a large fine and 10 points on his driving licence after he crashed into a car and drove off without notifying the owner – though he insists he did not know that he had caused damage.

The incident occurred as Mr Balls tried to turn in a narrow road near his constituency in Yorkshire in the family Ford Mondeo, where, according to his version of events, he had to make a seven-point turn to get out.

“Another car was parked close by and I was aware the two bumpers touched. But I had no idea any damage had been done until the police got in touch a week later,” said Mr Balls, who has three previous driving offences.

He faces getting 10 points on his licence – two short of disqualification – and a fine of up to £5,000 (€6,100).

“I accept their view that I should have checked. Getting points on my licence will be a blow but that’s the way it works,” he said.