Cameron Honours List: Tory Donor Withdraws

Ian Taylor claims there were "seriously inaccurate comments" about his company amid reports of his recommended knighthood.

Ian Taylor was reportedly recommended for a knighthood in David Cameron's resignation honours list

A major Conservative donor reportedly included in David Cameron's leaked resignation honours has withdrawn his name from the list amid claims of cronyism.

Ian Taylor, who is head of global energy and commodity trading company Vitol, had apparently been recommended for a knighthood.
Mr Taylor, who has given hundreds of thousands of pounds to the Tory party, said along with the reports of his gong recommendation there had been "seriously inaccurate comments" about his firm.
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He has now written to former prime minister Mr Cameron and his successor Theresa May asking for his name to be withdrawn from the controversial list, which was leaked to the Sunday Times.
His decision to withdraw his name was revealed by Sky's City Editor Mark Kleinman.
The cronyism row was sparked by reports that Mr Cameron had recommended knighthoods for four pro-EU Cabinet colleagues - Philip Hammond, Michael Fallon, Patrick McLoughlin and David Lidington.

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The ex-PM has been accused of misuse of the system after the list showed he was seeking to reward 48 Tory donors, allies and aides, including his wife's assistant and stylist.
It was claimed Mr Cameron also recommended a knighthood for another major Tory donor Andrew Cook.
Those said to be in the running for an OBE include Isabel Spearman, who helped Samantha Cameron with her diary and outfits for various engagements, and Thea Rogers, Mr Osborne's closest aide who is credited with overhauling his image.
Following the claims, opposition MPs demanded a complete overhaul of the system, while Mrs May said she would not interfere in the honours process because it would set a bad precedent.
Mr Taylor said in a statement: "In recent days, speculation in the media has suggested that I may be recognised in the forthcoming resignation honours list.
"This has been accompanied by seriously inaccurate comments about the company I lead.
"In these circumstances, I think it is right I request that my name does not go forward, if indeed I was being considered for an honour."

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He added: "I am writing both to the outgoing and the current Prime Minister requesting that I would not wish to be considered for an honour at this time.
"I will, of course, be continuing to participate actively in all the causes that I and my family passionately believe in, notably broadening access to the arts for everyone."
Sky's Political Correspondent Tamara Cohen said: "This cronyism row has claimed its first scalp."
She said: "He gave £300,000 to the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign and also gave £500,000 to the 'No' campaign during the Scottish referendum."
She added: "He has given a lot of money to the Conservative Party since David Cameron became prime minister.
"He is clearly furious at the fact people are not aware perhaps of the reasons that he was nominated for this honour.
"And they're looking at his business background.
"He's the chief of Vitol, one of the biggest trading companies in the world and he is worth about £175m.

"Vitol has been a bit controversial in some of its oil exploration activities in Iraq and Libya and for its tax affairs although there's no suggestion anyone's done anything illegal."

PM Theresa May said she would not interfere in the honours process

She went on: "He's angry at some of the portrayal of his business interests and therefore he is pulling out."
A Cabinet Office spokesman said: "We do not comment on leaked documents, this hasn't changed.
"As a policy we do not comment on where the [vetting] process is."