Tory donor expelled after giving cash to Ukip

Published on Monday 30 March 2009 02:34

MILLIONAIRE Tory donor Stuart Wheeler was dramatically expelled from the Conservative Party last night after giving £100,000 to the rival UK Independence Party.

Mr Wheeler's expulsion was confirmed in a one-line statement by a party spokesman who said: "Stuart Wheeler has been expelled from the Conservative Party".

The spread-betting tycoon had earlier said that he was making the donation to Ukip after becoming disillusioned with Tory leader David Cameron over Europe.

But while he intended to vote for Ukip in the European parliamentary elections in June, he said that he would continue to back the Conservatives in the general and local council elections.

The decision to expel Mr Wheeler is expected to be formally confirmed later this week at a meeting of the Conservative board convened by the party chairman, Eric Pickles.

It is understood the decision had Mr Cameron's full backing. Senior Tories are believed to have concluded it was untenable for Mr Wheeler to remain a member while saying he supported another party.

Mr Wheeler last night said he was disappointed at the decision, although he would continue to vote for the Conservatives in the next local elections.

However, he made clear that there would be no further donations to the party coffers: "Having been expelled, I think I would find it difficult to help them financially," he said.