Multimillionaire former Ukip donor Arron Banks’ attempt to join the Conservative Party in order to vote in a future leadership contest has been rejected.
Te insurance magnate who also donated to the Vote Leave referendum campaign in 2016, claimed through his Leave.EU campaign group he had joined the party as he urged his supporters to follow his lead.
But a spokesperson for the Tory party said his application alongside his spin-doctor, Andy Wigmore, had not been approved.
Speaking to the Westmonster news website, Mr Banks said he believed the “battle for Brexit” is now within the Tory ranks and an “inevitable” leadership election.
"Over 1.4m people follow Leave.EU online and we have urged them to join up and have their say,” he said. "Most of our members are proper conservatives that believe in immigration control, family values, self-reliance and prudent management of the economy.
He added: "My Conservative Party membership lapsed in 2013 and I today joined the party."
The website also reported that both Mr Banks and Mr Wigmore, had received a confirmation email from the Conservative party’s central office, welcoming them to the party.
Mr Wigmore added: “Like thousands of other Brexit supporters I’ve rejoined the Conservative Party to ensure that if there is a leadership contest then I can influence the type of leader the country and the Tory Party need.
“We need a Brexit leader, one who believes in Brexit and will deliver what 17.4 million people voted for.
“A strong Tory membership is essential to hold the leadership and MPs to account, if the party continues on its current path then we will not get the Brexit we voted for and will ultimately end up with a Corbyn Government – both are not an option.”
The Independent has launched its #FinalSay campaign to demand that voters are given a voice on the final Brexit deal.
Sign our petition here
