Cameron hit by cash for access scam

In a huge embarrassment to British Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative Party, a key fundraiser has resigned after he was filmed in a sting operation offering access to the premier in return for donations up to £2,50,000.

Peter Cruddas, co-treasurer of the Conservative Party, initially says in the footage that it is not possible to buy access to the prime minister. He then goes on to discuss what access different size donations would get, according to the sting operation carried out by The Sunday Times.

In the footage, Cruddas said more money would allow more access, including to Chancellor George Osborne. “You will be able to ask him (Cameron) practically any question you want,” the report quoted him as saying.

“Two hundred grand to 250 is premier league... what you would get is, when we talk about your donations the first thing we want to do is get you at the Cameron/Osborne dinners,” it said.

He said that the meetings were good for picking up “a lot of information”, and that he would ensure suggestions were fed back to 10 Downing Street.

In a resignation statement released on Saturday night, Cruddas said he deeply regretted the repercussions of his “bluster” during the recorded conversations.