Ivan Henderson is very pleased at the news that the Electoral Commission is to hold a full-scale investigation into the legality of the relationship between Lord Ashcroft and the Conservative Party.

Ivan has frequently voiced his concerns as to the reasons why the election campaign of Clacton’s MP, Douglas Carswell, was financially supported by the Belize based billionaire through campaign donations to Mr Carswell’s local Conservative association.  Now that the Electoral Commission is to investigate such donations, made through Lord Ashcroft’s wholly owned holding company, Bearwood Holdings, Ivan believes that the truth must finally come out.

“I have repeatedly called for Mr Carswell to explain his relationship with Lord Ashcroft but he has avoided doing so.  I believe he must now agree publicly to cooperate fully with the Electoral Commission investigation and explain the nature of the agreement that has resulted in thousands of pounds of campaign donations through Bearwood Holdings.”

Mr Carswell chose to raise the issue of party funding in a question to the Prime Minister but subsequently refused to discuss the funding his own Conservative association has received from Lord Ashcroft when asked to do so.

“The whole affair is most unsatisfactory and raises a number of important issues,” continued Ivan Henderson.  “In addition to Mr Carswell’s cooperation with the inquiry there should be an immediate assurance from his local Conservative Association that, should such funding be found to be illegal, every penny will be paid back.”

For further information please contact
Garry Calver on 01255 551940

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