Calls mount for Tory treasurer to resign

Labour called on the UK premier David Cameron’s chief fundraiser to quit as he has been accused of breaching anti-sleaze rules by sponsoring the dinner as part of a £6,000 “Wimbledon Championships” entertainment package available to AmEx Platinum and Centurion card holders.

According to an investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism and The Independent, the package, which was marketed as a “one-of-a kind opportunity to advance your lifestyle”, consisted of two days of accommodation at the Dorchester hotel and a drink reception with the former Wimbledon champion John McEnroe.

Saying that Fink should consider his position after a “flagrant attempt to break” parliamentary rules, Jon Trickett, the shadow minister for the Cabinet Office, said, “It leaves a very nasty taste to suggest that you can buy access to the House of Lords, and it cheapens democracy.”

Fink returned to his old role as Cameron’s chief fundraiser after the resignation of Peter Cruddas in March, who quitted following allegations that he offered access to the Prime Minister and the chancellor in exchange for large cash donations.

“To have one Tory treasurer in trouble for appearing to sell access to Number 10 is bad enough, some might think that now to have a second Treasurer apparently in breach of the code of conduct is a sign of systemic moral failure in the high command of the Conservative Party,” Trickett added.

However, Fink said that he had agreed to sponsor the event in return for a donation to Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital located in London, but he had not made any financial gain.

“This event has been held in the Lords on several occasions in the past and I agreed to sponsor it this year in return for a sizeable donation to a major hospital,” he said.

SSM/MA/HE

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