Royal in Tory fundraiser row

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Viscount Linley, the Queen's nephew, is on the committee organising the Tories' biggest annual money-spinner - the Black and White Ball.

A table at the event costs up to £35,000, and wealthy businessmen and celebrities will rub shoulders with David Cameron and his wife Samantha.

But Viscount Linley's role has sparked anger among Labour MPs, who insist it breaks centuries of convention that royals maintain political neutrality.

Chris Bryant (Rhondda) told the Sunday Express: "I am sure the Tories would love to think they are there by royal appointment but they should not undermine the Royal Family by dragging them into party politics.

"For their part the Royal Family should steer clear of political fund raising."

Viscount Linley, son of the late Princess Margaret - is 13th in line to the throne. He is chairman of the British arm of auction house Christie's and runs a high-quality furniture business.

The Black and White Ball is being held in a marquee in a London park next month, and is expected to raise around £500,000 for the Conservatives.

A Tory spokesman admitted that the Viscount's involvement on the committee was "unusual", but added: "The ball is a fund-raising occasion for the party, but is not actually run by the party.

"People are enthusiastic about our message. Until Labour is prepared to have a serious debate about party funding that does not exclude trade unions, the party needs to go out and raise funds."