These are the hedge fund managers bank-rolling the Tory party
They include billionaires and lords
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Your support makes all the difference.David Cameron’s links to bankers and the hedge fund industry have come under renewed attention after it emerged that almost half of the wealthiest fund managers in the country have donated to the Tories.
On Monday, the Prime Minister will host the Conservatives’ annual Black and White Ball, the party’s last big fundraiser before the general election.
According to Labour, 27 of the 59 wealthiest asset managers in the most recent Sunday Times rich list have voted blue with their cash in the past, amounting to £10 million since the 2010 election alone.
The Tories counter that since Ed Miliband became leader, the unions have given Labour £35 million – including £12.8 million from Unite alone.
But who’s bank-rolling Mr Cameron? Here’s a breakdown of the 10 biggest Tory hedge fund donors – along with their overall wealth.
Michael Farmer, £150m
A Tory peer, “Lord Copper” is a veteran metals trader and senior treasurer of the party. An evangelical Christian who built his fortune with the Red Kite commodities trading group. Donation: £6.5m
Sir Michael Hintze, $1.05bn
Founder of the CQS hedge fund, served in Australian army for three years before moving to London to work in finance. Appointed by Pope Francis to serve on board of Vatican Bank. Donation: £3.2m
Lord Fink, £130m
Veteran hedge fund figure who served as party treasurer until 2013. Donation: £3.1m
Chris Rokos, £230m
Old Etonian who earned $900m in 10 years at Brevan Howard hedge fund before resigning in 2012. To launch new fund this year, according to the FT. Donation: £1.3m
Andrew Law, £350m
A Manchester state schoolboy who worked his way up through two banks to a director role at Goldman Sachs. Joined hedge fund Caxton Associates in 2003 and was made CEO in 2012. Donation: £1.2m
Sir Paul Ruddock, £300m
Formerly the chairman of Lansdowne Partners, he resigned in 2013 – presumably giving him more time to focus on his other role as chair of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Donation: £820,000
David Harding, £750m
Cambridge-educated executive chairman and CEO of Winton Capital Management. Donation: £600,000
Hugh Sloane, £185m
Co-founder of Sloane Robinson in 1993. Donation: £533,000
Sir John and Peter Beckwith, £350m
Brothers who established a real estate company together in 1971. Now trading as RiverCrest Capital. Donation: £520,000
Alexander Knaster, £1.26bn
A US billionaire who founded Pamplona Capital Management in 2004 – and yes, that’s named after the bull-running festival. Donation: £400,000
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