Tory donor threatens to pull funding if Sunak scraps northern HS2 rail line

Designs showing the planned HS2 trains. A decision on whether the northern section of the high-speed rail line goes ahead is due to be made next week. Photograph: HS2/PA

A prominent Conservative donor has threatened to stop supporting the party if Rishi Sunak scraps the Birmingham to Manchester leg of HS2, as ministers consider pulling the plug on the multibillion-pound project.

Fears that phase 2 of the high-speed rail line could be junked were compounded on Sunday when Grant Shapps, the defence secretary, said it would be “crazy” not to review the plan in light of soaring costs.