By Patrick Gower
3 News has learned that John Key has had a private meeting with a controversial right-wing British billionaire, Lord Michael Ashcroft.
Mr Ashcroft was a leading figure behind the last election campaign by Britain’s Conservatives, but Mr Key says the two men did not really talk politics when they met.
The billionaire flew into Auckland in his private for the rugby, and a meeting with Mr Key.
Mr Ashcroft is known in New Zealand for putting up the reward for the stolen Victoria Cross medals.
But he is best known for pumping his time - and millions - into the British Conservative Party and right-wing politics.
“He's deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, I see him every time he comes to New Zealand,” says Mr Key.
Well, actually Mr Ashcroft is not the deputy chairman any more.
He resigned from that role late last year after controversy around his tax status.
That saw the Guardian say:
“Lord Ashcroft has gone from tory savior to election liability.”
Mr Key says they just had a general discussion over lunch.
“We did talk about just generally how things are going in Europe, he's obviously a big businessman as well, and just generally about politics.”
Mr Ashcroft has popped in on Mr Key like this three years ago, before the last election.
Mr Ashcroft says he does not donate here.
And even though he is close to British PM David Cameron, Mr Key says he did not even really want any vote-catching tips.
“He gave me a summary of how things are going,” says Mr Key.
Mr Key is usually quite open when it comes to his meetings with the rich and famous. His critics will argue he kept this one on the quiet because of Lord Ashcroft's controversial baggage.
3 News
source: newshub archive
