Tories 'feel let down over Europe'

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Speaking at a UKIP rally in Exeter, Stuart Wheeler said many Tories were in the same "awkward position" as him - "Conservative at heart but feeling let down over Europe".

The millionaire, who sparked controversy when he donated £100,000 to UKIP, said the return of pro-European Ken Clarke was the "straw that broke the camel's back."

He also attacked shadow foreign secretary William Hague, claiming he was not taking a firm enough line on the question of a referendum on the Lisbon treaty.

Wheeler, who once gave a record £5 million donation to the Conservatives, argued it was only the leadership who were being "timid" on cutting back European influence.

A back bench Tory MP had recently "begged" him to continue his campaign assuring him that "80%" of MPs shared his desire to cut back EU influence.

He told a UKIP audience at Exeter University: "William Hague indicates that the Conservatives are likely to attempt to scrap the Treaty - possibly by calling a retrospective referendum.

"The Tories want to sound tough without making the slightest commitment. The leadership is terrified that a tough stance will split the party. But who will be on the Europhile side of the split?

"Just two big beasts, Clarke and Heseltine, and one or two smaller beasts."