• I READ with interest your report regarding donations made to Westminster Conservatives from four donors who are closely linked to Russia, (Tories told: give Russian money away, February 25).

Few would disagree with Labour councillor David Boothroyd that this money should never have been accepted and that the Conservatives should donate it to charity.

I also commend Conservative Cities of London and Westminster MP, Nickie Aiken, for her trenchant view: “So many people have raised the issue of Russian dirty money, particularly in my constituency. I will not stop working with the government to rid our capital of dirty money”.

I do not seek to make a party political point, as I believe that the current system of political party funding is open to allegations of corruption.

Whether donors are major trade unions contributing to the Labour Party or rich individuals providing financial support to the Tories, such donations are made with a view to influencing party policy in a way which would not be open to those without deep pockets.

While I accept that there is no suggestion that any of the donors concerned have acted improperly, perception of fairness is important and it is disappointing to note that the Conservative constituency associations mentioned in your report did not reply to your request for comment.

London is divided between a small number of privileged, affluent, property-owning individuals and the vast majority of people who struggle to make ends meet. Ms Aiken would be well-advised to remind her constituency associations of this.

KEELEY-JASMINE CAVENDISH
Thurlow Park Road, SE21