Quote: Executives who buy £1,000-a-plate tickets to a fund-raising dinner at the Conservative Party conference will get to sit with ministers. Despite David Cameron's pledges to bring transparency to party funding, the identities of the businessmen will be kept secret.
The Conservative fund-raising operation has led to accusations of cash for access, and drawn comparisons with controversial fund-raising methods employed by Labour under Tony Blair.
The inaugural Conservative Party Business Dinner is being marketed as "an exclusive networking event" where guests will "enjoy fine wines and superb food with fellow business leaders".
It will be held inside the "secure zone" of the Conservative conference at Birmingham's International Conference Centre. Before the dinner, on Oct 5, guests can attend a drinks reception hosted by members of the Cabinet.
George Osborne, the Chancellor, will be guest of honour at the dinner. Places start at £500, or a table for 10 can be bought for £5,000. According to the conference guide, each table will be hosted by a "prominent Conservative MP".
However, application forms on the Tory Party website make it clear that business leaders prepared to spend £1,000-a-head can guarantee that they dine with at least one serving government minister. | 
