As Iain Dale might say, (but almost certainly won’t).. some might call it corruption. Tories sell access to Ministers at £1,000 a head.
“…application forms on the Tory Party website make it clear that business leaders prepared to spend £1,000-a-head can guarantee that they dine with at least one serving government minister.
The platinum tables are guaranteed to be “prominently positioned” near the top table, where Mr Osborne is expected to sit, and the diners will also get access to the VIP Lounge at the party conference and reserved seats in the main hall for Mr Cameron’s table.
Because the fee for a seat is below the legal limit for declaring donations, the identity of guests does not have to be made public.
In 2006, Mr Cameron pledged to clean up politics, proposing new party funding rules to remove “the impression, now deep in the public mind, that influence, access and honours can be bought by wealthy institutions . . . and individuals”.
When Mr Cameron took office in May, he promised a “new politics” that would restore public trust. During the campaign, he promised to reform party funding to “clean up our messy politics”
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Do you know Bob if “at least one serving government minister.” includes LibDem ministers? – or is this the first sign of a split (not sharing the swag).
Pete
It’s something Labour never thought of, they just asked to be paid £5,000 a day to influence a minister for you.
I just find politics at the moment it’s in the gutter heading for the cess pits.
I watched a program last night about the anger of politicians about the expenses controls being put in place and the abject anger of politicians the gravy train has ended.
It’s sad really but not unexpected is it, money makes the political parties and politicians tick always has always will.
Robert… life must be tough always looking at the bright side of life. It must be your sense of optimism that keeps you going.
Pete… not sure, but I would guess they wouldn’t want any Lib Dems there other than Clegg and Laws.