Ben Elliot has resigned as co-chair of the Conservative party, hours after the announcement of Liz Truss as the party’s new leader.
Elliot, the nephew of the Duchess of Cornwall, was credited with “supercharging” donations to the party, especially before the 2019 election.
In a statement to the Mail, Elliot said: “Serving as co-chairman of the Conservative party has been a huge honour and privilege. I would like to thank my various co-chairmen, colleagues on the party board, the national convention, the excellent senior staff at CCHQ and of course all our professional staff, members and volunteers across the country.
“I would like to thank Boris Johnson for appointing me, and wish Liz Truss every success in leading our great country, particularly given the challenges of the winter ahead.”
A key supporter of Johnson’s, Elliot was dogged by controversy during his time in the role, including the introduction of an “advisory board” for major contributors, some of whom are reported to have given more than £250,000. His tactics led to criticism over “cash for access” to senior ministers. The Conservatives have previously said that their policies are in no way influenced by the donations the party receives – they are entirely separate.
Darren Mott, the chief executive of the Conservatives, confirmed Elliot’s departure in a statement. He said: “The whole Conservative party wants to thank Ben Elliot for his tireless service over the past three years. Without his incredible efforts, the 2019 landslide would not have been possible. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
During the invasion of Ukraine, Labour called on the party to sack Elliot over links to the party with Russian money, as well as the work Elliot’s concierge service Quintessentially had undertaken for Russian clients. Several Conservative MPs, including the chair of the intelligence committee, Julian Lewis, had called for Elliot to go.
Elliot has been chair of the party while it has taken donations from Lubov Chernukhin, the wife of Vladimir Putin’s former finance minister, and Aquind, a company co-owned by the billionaire Viktor Fedotov.
Neither is subject to any sanctions and the Conservatives have previously said in relation to Chernukhin and Aquind that all donations were “properly and transparently” declared in line with electoral law.
Lawyers for Aquind have stressed Fedotov did not personally donate to the Conservative party, was not involved in the management of the company and had “no influence” over its donations. Fedotov’s lawyers said he “has never had any interest in British politics and has operated in an open and transparent manner throughout the course of his career”.
Quintessentially had about 50 staff in Russia and its former webpage said it had “nearly 15 years’ experience providing luxury lifestyle management services to Russia’s elite and corporate members”. A Russian company had a franchise agreement with Quintessentially for 10 years, which was revoked in March this year.
Elliot’s firm was also accused of introducing clients to Prince Charles after they spent £15,000 on membership, though a spokesperson said meetings were about raising funds for charity.
Elliot is credited by party insiders of deepening the party’s connection with the ultra-wealthy and securing new streams of income. He is widely tipped to enter the House of Lords – subject to approval – in Johnson’s resignation honours.
