A TORY party member was today banned from its conference after he was arrested over claims he failed to pay for a £150 bottle of champagne.
Philip Whittington, 27, was held on suspicion of theft after staff at the Midland Hotel in Manchester called police.
Mr Whittington was detained overnight and later released without charge after it is understood he explained it was a misunderstand
ing and was willing to pay for the champagne.
A Conservative Party spokesman said: "We have banned the individual from attending any further conference events and are considering what further action may need to be taken."
The incident happened on the same night that Conservative leader David Cameron was photographed enjoying a glass of bubbly at a conference party.
A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said: "A 27-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of theft following an incident at a city centre hotel on Monday.
"The man was questioned by officers and it was decided that no further action should be taken against him."
Hotel staff were believed to have raised the alarm when they spotted a man take a bottle from a fridge after he had allegedly already consumed another bottle.
Party leader Eric Pickles had earlier warned the Tories against appearing triumphant at the Manchester gathering this week.
"I want to see less champagne bubbles and more bubbling activity," Mr Pickles said.
Mr Cameron was spotted with champagne at a party thrown by The Spectator magazine.
The episode came as Mr Cameron's privileged upbringing is under particular scrutiny with questions about the extent of his wealth and his time in Oxford University's controversial Bullingdon Club.
Meanwhile, bookmakers Ladbrokes offered odds of 14-1 that the Tory Leader would mention the word 'champagne' in his conference speech.
Ladbrokes spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "He's probably hoping his champagne moment will come in May next year."
