David Cameron under pressure to name wealthy Tory donors invited to party's summer fundraising ball

Labour has accused the Prime Minister of trying to 'buy his way to power'

The Prime Minister has been accused of trying to buy power (Getty Images)

David Cameron is under growing pressure to publish the names of dozens of wealthy Conservative donors who received invitations to attend the party’s summer fundraising ball tonight.

The event, at the exclusive Hurlingham Club in west London, was expected to be the largest for several years as the Tories attempt to boost their coffers ahead of next year’s general election.

An investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism revealed that last year’s event raised £1.1m for the party with 449 guests paying up to £1,000 per seat.

Attendees included 73 financiers, 47 retail and property tycoons, 10 people in oil, gas and mining and 19 working in public affairs and PR.

Labour has accused the Prime Minister of trying to “buy his way to power”.

Darren Hughes, of the Electoral Reform Society, said: “Every time we get an insight into how parties raise money, it further cements the impression that our democracy is for sale.”