Tory donor gives £100,000 to UKIP

Mr Wheeler has long been known to be unhappy with Tory policy on Europe

A multi-millionaire Conservative party donor has given £100,000 to UKIP, after becoming disillusioned with David Cameron's policies on Europe.

Spread-betting tycoon Stuart Wheeler said he was giving the money to UKIP in protest at the Tories' reluctance to talk about the EU.

Mr Wheeler, an outspoken Euro-sceptic, gave £5m to the Conservatives in 2001.

He said he would vote UKIP in European elections in June, but intended to remain a member of the Tory party.

"The European Union is doing so much damage to our economy and our way of life that I can no longer vote Conservative at the European elections," Mr Wheeler told the News of the World newspaper.

"The Conservatives - though perhaps more Euro-sceptic than Labour - just wish no-one would talk about the EU so that they can win the general election in peace."

'Tribal loyalty'

UKIP leader Nigel Farrage said he was delighted with Mr Wheeler's donation.

"I am thrilled that Stuart Wheeler has decided to support our vital campaign," he said.

"The decision of who rules Britain is vastly more important than any traditional tribal loyalty."

However, a spokesman for the Conservatives said Mr Wheeler's decision would have no effect on party policy.

"Our policies on Europe are robust and we are committed to a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty," he said.

"Conservative policy on Europe, as on other matters, is decided by David Cameron and his shadow cabinet and not by any donors."