Property Pounds Pile In Behind Boris
Countrywide Properties, Sir John Beckwith and several Midlands developers are among the top donors to Boris Johnson's Conservative election campaign.
Data released by the Electoral Commission showing donations above £7,500 reveals that the real estate sector is backing the Conservatives, contributing heavily to Johnson's campaign funds.
The largest donor to the Conservatives (and the largest donation to any political party since the campaign began) was from Beckwith. The founder of Pacific Investments, Mortar Capital and a host of other property businesses responsible for 65M SF of development donated a cool £1M.
Countrywide Properties gave £500K. Birmingham-based IM Group donated £250K. WA Capital, which owns Malrborough Property Company, also gave £250K. Marlborough's portfolio includes 78-90 Colmore Row, Birmingham, one of the city's prime office addresses, along with a mix of properties in London and the regions.
The West Midlands was also represented by Jeremy Knight-Adams, the man behind plans for a 200K SF outlet shopping mall at Oldbury, who made a series of donations adding up to £100K.
European Land and Property, the developer behind Paddington's Merchant Square office and residential development which is part owned by the Reuben brothers, donated £200K. Specialists in German real estate Shore Capital donated another £200K. Hansa Capital Partners' William Salomon donated £50K in an individual capacity.
Niche property sectors also contributed heavily. Senior living specialist Churchill donated £150K whilst luxury hotel owner Harbour Hotels gave £90K and hotel operator Edwardian London Management Services another £50K.
Among the smaller donations, Scarborough-based Broadland Properties contributed £50K. The company has been a regular donor to the party on this scale for many years.
Property-linked donations to other political parties were thin on the ground. The very short list is led by Brian Bickell, chief executive at Shaftsbury plc, who donated £12.5K to the Liberal Democrats.
