Conservative Party co-treasurer Peter Cruddas has resigned after secretly filmed footage showed him apparently offering access to the prime minister for a donation of £250,000 a year.
He made the claim to Sunday Times reporters posing as potential donors.
He said £250,000 gave “premier league” access, including dinner with David Cameron and possibly the chance to influence government policy.
Party officials said no donation had actually been accepted…
Mr Cruddas was appointed Tory co-treasurer in June 2011.
Resigning, he said: “I deeply regret any impression of impropriety arising from my bluster in that conversation.”
A statement from the Tories said: “No donation was ever accepted or even formally considered by the Conservative Party.
“All donations to the Conservative Party have to comply with requirements of electoral law, and these are strictly enforced by our compliance department.”
- BBC News
7 Comments
That is APPALLING. No other word for it.
I don’t think this is as outrageous as it is blatant. Cruddas’s only sin was to spell out the obvious, and be caught on camera.
$250k for a dinner seems a bit steep; IIRC a Lordship goes for $1mil.
Clearly his regret doesn’t extend to the actual impropriety. He only regrets being caught.
Why can’t they just sell peerages in the old fashioned way
You’ve been on fire lately, DEM.
I certainly haven’t been lacking for material!
Christ! Vulgar, like with straw boater hat, check jacket and moustache, with yellow teeth, stubble and whiff of cheap plonk.