A TOP City executive is to take charge of the Conservative Party's general election fundraising efforts.
Stanley Fink, below, a former chief executive of hedge fund manager Man Group, is also donating £1m to the party, with the promise of further cash when an election is called.
The disclosure of his appointment as a Tory co-treasurer comes as David
Cameron puts the party on a "war footing" in readiness for an election at any time over the next 18 months.
The Tory leader is writing to all of his candidates urging them to be on guard for a snap election and a national advertising campaign is planned.
Hundreds of thousands of voters are also to be targeted with direct mail from the Tories, while glossy magazines are being customised for the most important target seats.
While Gordon Brown insists it is the last thing on his mind, he may still decide his best opportunity for re-election lies in an early election.
He does not have to go to the country until June next year, but many observers believe the first half of 2009 may be the optimum time for Labour.
Fink, now chief executive of International Standard Asset Management, said: "Britain badly needs change and I look forward to playing my part to help ensure David Cameron is elected as our next prime minister."
Fink, who had previously donated about £350,000 to the Conservative Party, is also involved in charity fundraising.
