Mystery donor

Unfortunately for the political parties, bad times in the City seem to be reflected in dwindling contributions from lawyers.

The year before last, DLA gave Labour 15,000 - a similar figure to that given by traditional backer Thompsons, the trade union firm.

But last year's register of donations shows that DLA gave Labour only 6,000 (the firm states it is apolitical, and only gives money to all political parties for business events where its clients can network) while Thompsons' figure fell to 3,000.

But perhaps not all is gloom.

The register shows a 10,000 donation from Christopher Tite to the Conservatives, made in September.

Could this be the same Christopher Tite who is managing partner of City law firm Tite & Lewis? Mr Tite told us that such information is 'none of your business', leaving us to report that he refused to confirm or deny whether he was the donor.