Former Tory Donor Joins UKIP
UKIP leader Nigel Farage (left) with new recruit Stuart Wheeler. (picture: UKIP)
A businessman who once gave £5m to the Conservatives in a single donation, today announced he was joining UKIP as its party treasurer. Stuart Wheeler made the announcement at a news conference on Lees Road today, as the by-election campaign continues.
Mr Wheeler made his fortune as the founder of financial and sport betting firm IG Group. His huge donation to the Tories in 2001 was thought to be instrumental in the party’s decision to campaign to ‘keep the pound’ in that year’s general election.
However, he was expelled from the Conservatives in 2009 for giving money to UKIP, and then founded his own Trust party. He stood as a candidate himself in the Bexhill and Battle constituency, but lost his deposit.
Today Mr Wheeler praised UKIP: “I believe what they are doing is absolutely crucial to our country. Being a member of the EU is costing people of this country so much they will be better off out. I shall do my very best in both helping to raise money for the party and in the management of its financial affairs.”
Appearing with him at the news conference was UKIP leader and Euro MP Nigel Farage, who commented: “It’s particularly relevant that we announce this new appointment only a few days before the people of Oldham go to the polls.”
He added: “Instead of the ‘three way marginal’ being spoken of here it’s a clear 50-50 choice between the old politics of Tories, Labour and Lib Dems or the new, fresh politics of UKIP.”
You can read full coverage of the Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election from Saddleworth News by clicking here.
(Editor’s note: I wasn’t able to attend the news conference myself, so the quotes come from a UKIP statement)
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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Indeed the announcement is relevant. It shows how strong the links are between UKIP and the rest of the Political Class are. One imagines that they all attend the same dinner parties! It should indicate to anyone with an ounce of sense that they are not a genuine alternative but rather a safety-valve.
The comment from Farage that there is a 50/50 choice between the establishment parties is nonsense. UKIP is an establishment party! His comments are also dismissive of those attempting to develop real choices and alternatives in anti-establishment groups. Both the Greens and the British National Party, though quite different, have policy platforms which challenge the status quo.
I wonder if the people of Oldham will fall for the UKIP hype and have their protest vote directed into a licensed ‘dissident’ group?
Pat, stop speaking rubbish and grow a beard. This left wing drivel is exactly what’s got us in to this unholy mess in the first place. what is it you want exactly; new labour, blue labour, coalition teaboys, greens. god help us all. the take over of our nation is happening right under your nose and all you have to say is “more of the same please.”