Conservative donors are distancing themselves from funding a poll linked to efforts to remove Rishi Sunak. This poll, costing £40,000 and promoted by Lord Frost, forecasted a significant victory for Labour. The group in question is the Conservative Britain Alliance, and following its publication, MP Simon Clarke called for new party leadership, amid suspicions that former Tory aides, including ex-No 10 adviser Will Dry, are orchestrating a leadership coup.
Key figures like Anthony Bamford, Peter Cruddas, and Paul Marshall's spokesman deny any involvement with the poll or the Alliance. Alexander Temerko's aide also denied links after Temerko donated £5,000 to Clarke this month.
While the identity of the donors remains undisclosed, Lord Frost might risk losing his Conservative affiliation if these contributors have also donated to
Nigel Farage's Reform party. Reports suggest that several donors, including Jeremy Hosking, fund both parties, yet Hosking has not commented on his involvement.
Concerns are also growing over the presence of anti-Sunak aides at parliamentary meetings, possibly trying to evade declaring their financial backers by using visitor passes intended for tourists and not for work purposes.
This plot against Sunak is said to divert No 10's focus, contributing to their lag in polls. A recent YouGov poll indicated a bleak outlook for Conservatives, compounded by Frost's op-ed advocating a tougher stance on immigration. With the potential for yet another change in leadership, Labour spokesperson Pat McFadden criticized the Conservatives for their internal conflict.