Tory donors 'keeping wallets closed' in frustration at Theresa May's leadership and Brexit policy

Top Tory donors are refusing to part with their cash to back Theresa May, it has been reported.



Several big-money backers are set to stay away from the Conservative's fundraising Black and White Ball in February, according to The Telegraph.

Ahead of Tuesday's crunch Brexit votes, donors are reportedly concerned that the current deadlock may only be broken by a snap general election, which they do not want Mrs May to lead the party into.

The Midlands Industrial Council is amongst the business groups no longer parting with their cash out of concern at Mrs May's leadership.

Its secretary, David Wall said: “With the level of confusion within Parliament at the moment, the uncertainty over a possible election, a possible change of leader, most donors are reluctant to make donations at this time. We all need some clarity on what direction the Conservative Party and the Government are going in.”

The 33-member organisation gave the Conservative's £5 million in the run-up to the 2017 election.

Another leading donor reportedly hit out at a “small cabal around Theresa May that is completely out of touch with reality” and "spending the Conservative Party’s money on promoting May’s deal".

"People have turned away in disgust," the businessman said, "Once [Mrs] May has gone the donations will resume."