New Tory strategy row

Three Conservative candidates in London have benefited from controversial private funding by billionaire donor Lord Ashcroft.

In a move which has rattled the Tory leadership, the peer is channelling money directly to candidates in marginal constituencies. It follows a reported rift between Lord Ashcroft and the Tory co-chairman Lord Saatchi over election strategy. Lord Ashcroft allegedly disagrees with Lord Saatchi's claim the Tories can win an overall majority at the general election.

Instead, he believes the party should be concentrating on winning key marginals. In a direct snub to Lord Saatchi, he let it be known he is willing to provide funding on an individual constituency basis through his company Bearwood Corporate Services.

The three London candidates to receive funding are Greg Hands, Justine Greening and Nick de Bois.