Paying to see PM

[sammmo]

Why would anyone pay £50,000 to have a pre PM question time lunch with the prime minister?

[FredPuli43]

Good question. Don't know about the timing of these lunches, but it seems from the secretly filmed interview that you are looking at a bill of £250,000 if you want access to the PM himself.
Now, in what way is the party in need of funding? What do they do with the money? After all, election expenses , both nationally and locally, are strictly controlled and limited, and backdated to long before the election itself (to stop the governing party spending lots of money before calling a snap election and so gaining an advantage). Is it to pay the wages of party officials?
It does look as though the individual hopes or expects to gain an advantage; indeed the party's own website sets out the levels of donation required for lunch etc with different levels in the party/ government, with the highest level being called Treasurer level. Well, that's fine with, for example, the Royal Academy; the biggest donors get the first viewing at the Summer Exhibition, meets Academicians and get other benefits from the Academy; but it surely has no place in government or party.

[whiskeryron]

Is a large fiddle called a Double Bass ???

W Ron.

[DTCwordfan]

or a Rum Cocktail for the aperitifs.

[sammmo]

If I were a very rich man, which sadly I,m not.. I still would,nt pay that sort of money to have a lunch with any politician.. Past or present..this sort of thing should make everyone think... It's a scandal..

[cathfromsaron]

dores he *really* know nothing about it?

stinks!

[sammmo]

I don't think David is thick, do you? Of course he knows.. I,m a Tory but I will certainly think about this next time I,m voting...

[Graham-W]

It has reached the point where I will find it difficult to vote for anyone at the next election. All the politicians, of all parties, seem to be in it for the money.
What on earth happened to the Statesmen ( of all parties) who had made their money and gained experience over the years, and then went into politics to try and help the country and the people for altruistic purposes instead of just lining their pockets.

[DTCwordfan]

Not necessary sammo, all the parties do it.....the Labour Party contributions in from the Unions and they have no influence on policy or go to Party knees-ups, pull the other leg - no pull both of my legs.

[sammmo]

Graham w hit the nail on the head.. Whatever did happen to the politicians that were trying to improve our country rather than lining there pockets? this country Is still a rich country..It could do such alot for our pensioners, families,children's education etc .. But all they seem to be doing is pandering to the bankers.. I think someone should create a website where you could rate your local MPs..where your MPs actions or non actions should be recorded and call it MPadvisor

[Coldicote]

This whole episode looks to me like a storm in a teacup. I doubt if there has ever been a Prime Minister who hasn't invited guests to meet and discuss issues with him/her personally. No matter which political party is in power there will always be opposition. It is the opposition's job to oppose the government and put forward plans for an alternative government, which seem conspicuous but their absence at the moment.

[giveup]

I'd rather have lunch with someone I like and admire,and I was a longtime Tory.

[woolleysheep]

are all politicle leaders on a ego trip

[woolleysheep]

DT -unions do not contribute to the labour party,union members do by paying a political levy, which when i was union paying member i could opt out of paying if i wished