Tory party has been bought like a banana republic - Huhne

10.00.00am GMT Tue 2nd Mar 2010

Commenting on Lord Ashcroft's admission that he is non-domiciled for tax purposes, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"The Conservatives' biggest donor is a tax-dodger from Belize who has not paid a penny of British tax on the vast bulk of his estimated £1.1bn fortune held offshore.

"This raises extraordinary questions about the judgement of successive Tory leaders - William Hague, Michael Howard and David Cameron - whose view seems to be that only little people should pay tax.

"The Tory party has been bought like a banana republic."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Lord Ashcroft, through his company Bearwood Corporate Services Ltd, is the biggest donor to the Conservative party, having given a total of £5,137,785.15. Lord Ashcroft made further personal donations of £111,726.09.

2. The Sunday Times "Rich list" in 2009 estimated Lord Ashcroft's fortune at £1.1 billion.

3. Vince Cable named Lord Ashcroft as a 'non-dom' in December 2009:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm091216/debtext/91216-0003.htm