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Howard leadership boosts Tory income
New figures have indicated that cash donations to the Conservatives have risen since Michael Howard became party leader.
Electoral Commission data, published on Thursay, revealed that the Tories received donations totalling £2,888,717 during the final quarter of last year.
Howard took over the party's leadership in November 2003 - an event that was followed by a series of large donations.
These included £504,000 from bookmaker Stuart Wheeler and donations over £100,000 from Webb Investments Ltd, IIR Limited and Flowidea Ltd.
There was also a £10,000 donation from lyricist Sir Timothy Rice
In the previous quarter, under Iain Duncan Smith, the figures show Conservative income stood at £1,851,634.
Labour cash
While Conservative income has risen, the party still trails the Labour when it comes to fundraising.
Tony Blair's party raised £4,107,340 in the final quarter of 2003.
Donations included £342,125 from Unison and £240,125 from both the TGWU and the GMB.
But there were also further big donations from the party's business supporters.
Sir Christopher Ondaatje gave Labour £1 million while Lord Hamlyn donated £500,000.
Both men have given the party large donations on previous occassions.
Scottish first minister Jack McConnell donated £1,194 to the party in Edinburgh.
Lib Dems trail
The Liberal Democrats raised the third largest amount of cash fo any registered political party.
But as usual Charles Kennedy's troops trailed the two major parties, receiving just £795,786 in the final three months of last year.
There donations included £125,000 from the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, £1,800 from MP Matthew Green and £1,530 from MP Patsy Calton.
One of their fellow MPs, Treasury spokesman David Laws, donated £900.
The Scottish National Party received £172,738 while the UK Independence Party received £117,219.
Welsh nationalists Plaid Cymru received £19,516.
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Published: Thu, 26 Feb 2004 14:52:30 GMT+00
While Conservative income has risen, the party still trails the Labour when it comes to fundraising.
Donations in Q4 2003
- British National Party - £9,720
- Christian People's Alliance - £6,000
- Conservative Party - £2,888,717
- Co-operative Party - £122,475
- Green Party - £14,139
- Labour Party - £4,107,340
- Legalise Cannabis Alliance - £2,600
- Liberal Democrats - £795,786
- Liberal Party - £1,370
- New Party - £10,640
- The People's Alliance - £55,000
- Plaid Cymru - £19,516
- Progressive Democratic Party - £9,000
- Scottish Green Party - £1,500
- Scottish National Party - £172,738
- Scottish Socialist Party - £34,624
- UK Independence Party - £117,219
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