The Daily Mail sinks the Tory Treasurer

By Tim Montgomerie

First CCHQ announces that David Rowland will be the new Tory Treasurer.

THEN...

• The Daily Mail attacks his tax status: Former tax exile David Rowland is the new Tory treasurer
• The Daily Mail highlights his role in an environmental disaster: The dirty past of the former tax exile who's the new Tory Treasurer
• The Daily Mail attacks his style of capitalism: The shady City past and friendship with Air Miles Andy of new Tory treasurer
• The Daily Mail attacks his private life: The new Tory Treasurer with a blonde in another snap he'd rather you (and party grandees) didn't see
• A leader in the paper earlier this week warned David Cameron against close association with the wrong kind of wealthy businessman.

And a few minutes ago CCHQ issues a press release saying that Mr Rowland will not, after all, become the chief party fundraiser. Mr Rowland commented:

"I was honoured to be asked to become Treasurer. Unfortunately my developing business interests mean I will not have the time to give that role the focus and attention it deserves."

Stanley Fink will now continue as the lead Tory Treasurer.

Big questions need to be asked about CCHQ failing to carry out due diligence on this appointment.