Conservative donors ‘desert party in protest at Theresa May’s approach to Brexit’

‘People have turned away in disgust’

Multiple Conservative Party donors are reportedly witholding money from the organisation because of their dismay at Theresa May’s Brexit strategy.

They join numerous public figures criticising the prime minister’s leadership, a list which also includes her own MPs, opposition party politicians and European Union leaders.

The Midlands Industrial Council, a group of 33 members who collectively donated £5m before the 2017 general election, is among the donors refusing to provide funds, according to The Daily Telegraph.

On Tuesday, Ms May will navigate a series of votes in parliament, during which MPs hope to end the Brexit deadlock.

But with the Commons divided over the best way to leave the EU, a snap general election remains a possibility and a shortage of funds would prove a significant disadvantage to the Tories.

Dwindling donations are now causing concern within the party, which has sent out two fundraising emails appealing for money in the past 10 days.

“CCHQ’s role is to campaign and win elections to keep Conservatives in local and national government,” a Conservative Party source told The Independent.

“Part of that work involves campaign planning and fundraising – all of which continues as usual.”

Several donors are also planning to skip next month’s Black and White Ball, one of the most lavish fundraising events of the political year.

In past years attendees have paid thousands of pounds for lots at the ball’s fundraising auction, including for “shoe shopping with Theresa May” and “an Iron Man endeavour with Iain Duncan Smith”.

But the 2019 event is expected to be a more muted affair.

“People have turned away in disgust,” said one Tory donor, who criticised the party for spending money “on promoting May’s deal”.

“Once May has gone, the donations will resume.”