Via the BBC:
A former donor to the Liberal Democrats is to be tried for fraud in his absence after he skipped bail.
A warrant was issued last month for the arrest of businessman Michael Brown, whose firm gave more than £2m to the Liberal Democrats.
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At least he is being described as a “donor to the Liberal Democrats” and not “Liberal Democrat donor”, which is the phrase the Tory spinsters prefer to use.
As per usual though, the headline et al implies that the fraud is something to do with his donation.
For God’s sake GP – show a little contrition?
Personally, I’m more concerned that, at a time when desperate people are being denied legal aid, a convicted fraudster who has skipped bail can get it in absentia.
The thing that worries me the most is the ease with which people with lots of money can use it to buy massive influence with political parties who cannot afford to turn it down – much, much more influence than an individual who works their entire political life for the values they believe in. There are clear examples with all the main parties including the Nats. Equally worrying is when an MP switches late in their career and gets a lordship out of it. Often there is more evidence of personal self interest than a convergence of values. Ultimately though I know which one I would trust.
I’ve never understood this – someone somewhere is throwing money at this in order to run a smear campaign against us…and a very clever one at that!
David, I agree that buying influence is a bad thing, but given the context I think it’s worth stressing that there’s no evidence of Brown having won any influence with his donation.