"You do really pick up a lot of information and when you see the Prime Minister, you're seeing David Cameron, not the Prime Minister.
"But within that room everything is confidential - you can ask him practically any question you want.
According to the BBC (and they attribute it to the Sunday Times...goodness me, what did Cameron do to hack Rupert off so badly?), the rather garbled, disjointed stuff above is a recording of Peter Crudass (is that really his name...ahhh, I bet he had a hard time at school) offering access to the prime minister for money... and not just ordinary access, if you've shedloads of money, it's "we will listen to you" kind of access.
Oh dear, that's embarrassing, isn't it? Fancy Mr Crudass, who, strangely enough is both a resident of Monaco and indecently rich, not being aware of the possibility of undercover journalists.
A bit naive for such a "clever" man.
It is of course fair in the interests of balance to point out that a statement from the Tories said: "No donation was ever accepted or even formally considered by the Conservative Party". Nope. But it was solicited by its Co-Treasurer. And maybe the reason that it was never accepted was that these were Times men and not in the least interested in meeting the prime minister. They only wanted to find out how corrupt you lot were.
(Hat tip, yet again, to Cynical Highlander for pointing me at this story and giving me a push!)
You would imagine that being given access to the Prime Minister for money would be screaming head-lines in all the newspaper but I can see surprisingly little. Of course, it is probably a one-off and nobody has really gained an audience with the Prime Minister in that fashion - surely?
ReplyDeleteSurely indeed, John.
ReplyDeleteI'm quite sure that this morning's news that Mr Crudass has resigned his post only further justifies their claims that they are lilywhite.
Mr Crudass said: "I only took up the post of principal Treasurer of the Party at the beginning of the month and was keen to meet anyone potentially interested in donating.
"As a result, and without consulting any politicians or senior officials in the party, I had an initial conversation. No further action was taken by the party.
“However, I deeply regret any impression of impropriety arising from my bluster in that conversation. Clearly there is no question of donors being able to influence policy or gain undue access to politicians.
Specifically, it was categorically not the case that I could offer, or that David Cameron would consider, any access as a result of a donation. Similarly, I have never knowingly even met anyone from the number ten policy unit. But in order to make that clear beyond doubt, I have regrettably decided to resign with immediate effect.”
So there you go. He hardly seems to have even known anyone in the Tory party. And with him living in Monaco, I'm not surprised. Unless they have a Tory party there?
Nah. They are successful, they can't have!
Surprised? No...not really
ReplyDeleteNo... Not at all.
ReplyDeletetris
ReplyDeleteWell at least Cameron shows some leadership and orders a 'Party' inquiry.
We can rest assured the Conservatives will not leave any stone unturned in this 'PRIVATE PARTY' inquiry.
Err! one should not be too surprised if they in the end find themselves innocent of any malfeasance.
In fact those reporters are probaly guilt of unfair entrapment.
Malfeasant politicians, Niko?
ReplyDeleteThe very thought!
Camergoon must be fizzing. After his triumphant speech to the faithful at Troon, and not long back from being tucked up in bed with President Obama's teddy bear, the pesky Rupert Bear strikes again.
What bad fortune that the one and only time this has happened, the Sunday Times boys just happened to be there posing as rich businessmen.
I wonder is the FM will write a cheque for Ruth before his next DC meeting, thursdays will never be the same again.
ReplyDeleteHa ha, CH.
ReplyDeleteThursdays has lost the fun.
Krankie has found here niche. It is as a bit of a comic. She's nothing very clever to say so she plays for laughs...which I have to say she's rather good at. But it's not my taste in comedy... not very sophisticated.
Then Ruthie comes on deadly serious, deadly earnest, but missing the mark... How I miss Ms Goldie.
And that's it.
Still, if gives more time to the constituency members. And if someone just had one of these shepherd's crook things to pull Krankie off stage when she starts getting REALLY boring, then there would be a bit more time for constituency matters to be raised.
It's just a thought, Madam Presiding Officer...
Mr Crudass is careful to emphasis that he only took over as principal treasurer and forgets to say that he's been involved in seeking donations for the past year or so. It beggars belief, therefore, that he would not know what he could or could not promise.
ReplyDeleteIf it was bluster what would he have done if some hard-headed business people, the Tory's friends, said "Okay, here's a cheque for £250,000", when do we meet the Prime Minister?" I hardly think they'd be amused if he said "I was only kidding"!!!
I suspect that this was only the tip of the iceberg and that more "transactions" will be revealed.
John, Bang on. There must have been more transaction for the ST to be interested in the first place. And Cruddass (or however you spell his name)isn't some shrinking violet. He's been around the block, and back.
ReplyDeleteClearly Rupert doesn't care much for Cameron, so he'll have to watch his back from now on, but I doubt the paper would have launched this kind of sting without good hints that there was a story.
Of course I doubt anyone will come forward. No one wants to be seen as having paid to get that picture with the prime minister they have on the office wall and used in the annual report.