Tomorrow morning we’re running two articles about donors shying away from political parties after an endless wave of unwelcome publicity. But not everyone is deterred.
Mike Slade, the flamboyant founder of Helical Bar, a property developer, says donors should ignore it when observers question their motives. 
Too many people have been “cowed” into not giving to parties because of the potential ignominy, he reckons. They should have “big balls” and ignore any potential flak.
Mr Slade (pictured on the left) recently gave £20,000 to Boris Johnson’s campaign to be London mayor and has donated £100,000 to the Tories in the past.
The entrepreneur concedes that his support could be seen as an attempt to influence Mr Johnson’s policy on tall buildings in outer London.
“You do run the thin line of someone saying: I’m only doing this to have access and influence, but that was what politics was always about. It is a little unfair but there must be 20 per cent truth in it.” Refreshingly honest, I’d say.
You can read about the opposite point of view – from businessmen including Sir Tom Hunter – at this address.
Jim Pickard
Kiran Stacey
