Fraser backers sure of funds

SUPPORTERS of Murdo Fraser’s plan to transform the Scottish Conservatives into a new centre-right party today insisted he would get finance for the venture despite threats from the Tories’ biggest fundraisers.

Just before Mr Fraser’s leadership campaign launch yesterday, rival Ruth Davidson issued a statement from Sir Jack Harvie, who raises £1 million a year for the party, saying he would not fund a new party.

But care-home millionaire Robert Kilgour, who backs Mr Fraser, said: “It’s not Sir Jack that gives £1m, it’s businessmen and women throughout Scotland.”

Another backer, Robert Gibbons, said £500,000 had already been pledged.