The Conservative Party’s biggest single donor has decided to withdraw funding for its next general election campaign over the Government’s push for the introduction of same-sex ‘marriage’.
Doubt
Lord Ashcroft, who has donated more than £10 million, said that he had given enough after privately voicing his doubts over the party’s ability to secure a majority in 2015.
He expressed disapproval of the Government’s focus on “fringe issues” such as the proposed redefinition of marriage and had even urged the Prime Minister to drop the proposals.
A source close to the donor told the Daily Mail: “He believes Cameron is unwilling to focus on the issues that matter, like cutting taxes and sorting out immigration, and therefore will not be able to deliver a clear Tory majority next time.
Oblivious
“A lot of the donors agree with Ashcroft that there is no strategic vision. What does Cameron’s Government stand for? Cameron seems oblivious to our concerns so it’s no wonder Ashcroft has stopped giving financial support. In fact he stopped writing cheques before the last election.”
Lord Ashcroft, who had given £4million between 2006 and 2009 alone, played a vital role in helping the party to secure a number of marginal seats by strategising its campaign in 2010.
Michael Dugher, Labour’s vice chairman, said Lord Ashcroft’s decision to stop funding was “a damning vote of no confidence” in the Prime Minister.
Party Association
It comes as David Cameron’s local party association left the party over the Government’s Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, currently being scrutinised by the Public Bill Committee in the House of Commons .
Former member of Chipping Norton and District Conservative Association, Cicely Maunders said: “I left after 34 years because of David Cameron’s support for gay marriage. I have no choice but to feel strongly about it as a Christian believer. Other members walked out too. I’ve had a lot of support.
She added: “I renewed my party subscription a week before I resigned and received my membership card but I’ve now binned it. I’m a lifelong Conservative like my family before me. I’ve served the party half my life. I’ll be a non-voter now. It’s very sad.”
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