Top Tory resigns over '£250,000 for access to Cameron' boast
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Conservative Party treasurer was last night forced to resign after being filmed offering secret meetings with the Prime Minister in return for annual donations of £250,000.
In deeply damaging revelations, The Sunday Times obtained footage of Peter Cruddas boasting to Sarah Southern, a lobbyist, and two reporters posing as overseas clients, that they could get access to David Cameron by entering the "Premier League" of donors. "It will be awesome for your business," Mr Cruddas claimed.
"You do really pick up a lot of information," he was filmed saying. "But within that room everything is confidential – you can ask him practically any question you want."
In resigning, Mr Cruddas said: "I deeply regret any impression of impropriety arising from my bluster in that conversation. It was categorically not the case that I could offer, or that David Cameron would consider, any access as a result of a donation."
A Tory party source said last night that Mr Cruddas "regrets what happened" and had only been in the job for less than four weeks. The party stressed he had been exaggerating his role.
Labour MP Michael Dugher said: "Time and again the Tory party has been the obstacle to capping donations from wealthy individuals. It's obvious why."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments