David Cameron’s secret one lakh-a-head dinner

British prime minister David Cameron held a one lakh-a-head campaign fundraising dinner with six billionaires, strip club owner Peter Stringfellow, and Vladimir Putin’s judo partner last year. The table plan, auction catalogue, and briefing notes for the event were leaked. Although expensive fundraising dinners are nothing new, this one raises eyebrows because of the sheer wealth gathered around Cameron’s table: His supporters at the dinner were worth a combined $18.8 billion (approximately Rs 1,12,113 crore). They later donated £5 million (approximately Rs 51 crore) to the Conservative Party.

The dinner — held at the former fishmarket at Old Billingsgate — was also a complete secret. One attendee was given these instructions to keep his mouth shut — “You are absolutely forbidden from reporting any details of this event using any kind of social media. Sorry to be a bore but it is imperative no member of our team lets the side down,” the organizer wrote.

Among the bankers, financiers, and other notables who paid for access to the Conservative Party leader:

Peter Stringfellow

Owner of Stringfellows, a legendary — and legendarily cheesy —“gentleman’s club” in London’s West End.

Vasily Shestakov

Putin’s judo partner, who is also member of the Russian parliament.

Other businessmen

Three other wealthy Russian busi- nessmen and one former financier who was exiled from the country.

Paul Staines

The writer who runs the Guido Fawkes political blog.

Mayor Boris Johnson

London Mayor Boris Johnson and two other members of the Bullingdon Club, which Cameron has tried to distance himself from.

On the menu: Smoked rainbow trout, pan-fried guinea fowl, rhubarb and elderflower tart. This year’s event takes place this week at the Hurlingham Club in west London according to sources.