Wheeler joins forces with Ukip

Tuesday, 11 January 2011 12:00 AM

By politics.co.uk staff

The UK Independence party (Ukip) has been celebrating after it was joined by former Conservative donor Stuart Wheeler.

The man who gave £5 million to the Tories' 2011 general election campaign was unveiled as Ukip's next party treasurer at a press conference in Oldham yesterday.

Mr Wheeler made his millions as the IG Index's founder. He transformed the world of spread betting but is now best known for his political activism.

"I believe that what Ukip is doing is vital for this country, and of course the party's financial management is crucial," he said on Monday.

"So I am very honoured to have been appointed treasurer and I shall do my very best in both helping to raise money for the party and in the management of its financial affairs."

Mr Wheeler found himself expelled from the Conservative party in 2009 after he donated £100,000 to Ukip.

He finished fourth in the Bexhill and Battle seat in the 2010 general election after standing on an anti-corruption platform.

Ukip's new leader Nigel Farage welcomed Mr Wheeler, saying he hoped the extra funds would transform Ukip's prospects.

"Our policies are now mainstream in British politics: all that is holding us back is a lack of funds and I believe that a highly-respected Eurosceptic like Stuart will help us do the job," he said.

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