Inquiry pledge after Cameron aide resigns
Source: Agencies |
March 26, 2012, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
BRITISH Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to hold an inquiry after a key aide was caught offering access to the leader in return for donations.
Peter Cruddas, co-treasurer of the Conservative Party, resigned after his claims that he could secure access to Cameron, the leader's policy unit and other top ministers were exposed by undercover reporters working for the Sunday Times newspaper.
Cruddas was filmed boasting he could arrange private meetings with Cameron for those prepared to offer the Conservative Party donations of 250,000 pounds (US$396,775) a year.
He also told the newspaper that Cameron hosted major donors at receptions at his official Downing Street residence and at Highclere Castle, the location used in British television drama "Downton Abbey."
Cameron told the BBC yesterday: "What happened is completely unacceptable. This is not the way that we raise money in the Conservative Party, it shouldn't have happened.
"It's quite right that Peter Cruddas has resigned. I will make sure there is a proper party inquiry to make sure this can't happen again."
Opposition Labour Party politician David Miliband, a former Foreign Secretary, said the case raised serious questions about the influence donors have. "The idea that policy is for sale is grotesque," he said.
The Conservative Party said Cruddas had only taken up his role earlier this month, and no donations had been accepted as a result of his claims.
Peter Cruddas, co-treasurer of the Conservative Party, resigned after his claims that he could secure access to Cameron, the leader's policy unit and other top ministers were exposed by undercover reporters working for the Sunday Times newspaper.
Cruddas was filmed boasting he could arrange private meetings with Cameron for those prepared to offer the Conservative Party donations of 250,000 pounds (US$396,775) a year.
He also told the newspaper that Cameron hosted major donors at receptions at his official Downing Street residence and at Highclere Castle, the location used in British television drama "Downton Abbey."
Cameron told the BBC yesterday: "What happened is completely unacceptable. This is not the way that we raise money in the Conservative Party, it shouldn't have happened.
"It's quite right that Peter Cruddas has resigned. I will make sure there is a proper party inquiry to make sure this can't happen again."
Opposition Labour Party politician David Miliband, a former Foreign Secretary, said the case raised serious questions about the influence donors have. "The idea that policy is for sale is grotesque," he said.
The Conservative Party said Cruddas had only taken up his role earlier this month, and no donations had been accepted as a result of his claims.
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