Labour lender ‘admits peerage talks’
A businessman who lent £1 million to Labour at the 2005 general election has reportedly admitted to discussing peerages with the party’s chief fundraiser, Lord Levy.
But in a letter, obtained by the Sunday Telegraph, to stakeholders in his company, Professor Sir Christopher Evans strongly denies the implication that he was promised an honour in return for his loan.
The millionaire businessman, 49, was arrested last September by police as part of an ongoing investigation into the cash-for-honours affair.
His confidential letter to Merlin Biosciences investors reportedly states: “Did we ever discuss honours and politics?
“Did he [Lord Levy] ever say on the countless occasions that I met him and his wife over the years that I was deserving of a future honour or I should have a political role and make a difference? Yes, he did. So what?”
Professor Evans, who was knighted six years ago, goes on to write: “Why should I be embarrassed by that fact or such comments? Were conversations also taking place about making donations to the party? Of course they were.
“Michael Levy was always talking about money, that’s his job! Did he ever promise me anything in return for my donations or my loan? No. Never.”
On his relationship with senior Labour figures during the party’s ten years in power, he adds: “Over that time there have been countless mentions of my future role in politics, that I would be ‘just right’ for contributing to the House of Lords.”
The entrepreneur concludes by suggesting that he and Lord Levy have become “dispensable pawns in a bigger game”.
