UKIP boosted by donor pledge
The coffers of the UK Independence Party were given a much needed boost last night after a donor came forward to offer more money to shore up the shortfall after Paul Sykes’ decision to withdraw his backing.
Mr Sykes, a major donor to the anti-Europe party who has put one million pounds into the party, said on Tuesday he disagreed with UKIP’s decision to contest the seats of eurosceptic Conservative MPs at the general election and was therefore ending his financial support.
The Yorkshire property tycoon said fielding candidates in all constituents throughout Britain would “knock out some very good eurosceptic Conservatives, Shadow Ministers included”.
“We had a wonderful time and a very successful European campaign, which to me was one of the best things I have got involved in but when it comes to national campaigns and a national general election I don’t want them”.
Fielding candidates across the country would be “a disaster for the European eurosceptic cause,” he added.
“I know its an outside chance but if the Tories do get elected now they are the only party that can arrest, stop and repatriate some of the laws that have been given away by the politicians”.
But businessman, Alan Bown, who has already donated half a million pounds, told the BBC last night he could stump up at least two hundred thousand pounds straight away without any problem to tide the party over.
“I’m not saying I can raise one million pounds overnight, but I have a considerable property portfolio and I’m happy to back whatever it takes,” he said.
Nigel Farage, UKIP’s leader in the European Parliament, said Mr Sykes’ decision was “a blow” for the party.
Mr Sykes funded the anti-Europe party during the 1997 election.
Last night, newly-promoted Conservative Shadow Minister, John Redwood, said there had been no bargain struck between Mr Sykes and his party.
