West Ham’s £12,500 Donation To Conservative Party Raises “Serious Questions” Over Olympic Stadium Deal

West Ham are facing a fresh wave of questions over their deal to move into the Olympic Stadium, in light of reports that the club donated £12,500 to the Conservative Party.

As reported in the Telegraph, the Hammers made a significant donation to the Tories earlier this year. The revelation has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum, with the Taxpayers' Alliance – a low-tax pressure group – saying that it raises "serious questions" over West Ham's "dubious stadium deal". Meanwhile, two Labour MPs have condemned the donation.

The cash was handed over on January 14, but only listed in the Electoral Commission's register earlier this week. Vice-chairman and Tory peer Karren Brady attended the Conservatives' biggest annual fundraiser – the Black and White ball – a month later, as did co-owner David Gold.

West Ham's new stadium cost taxpayers £272m to convert to football use, but their rent per month is a mere £2.5m. This has caused a storm of controversy, but it could have been worse; the original terms were so favorable that the European Union ban on "illegal state aid" arguably came into play, and the bid was abandoned amidst serious legal concerns.

West Ham only paid £15m, or 5.5 per cent, of the £272m stadium conversion costs. There are numerous other aspects of the deal which could be considered financially favourable to the club.

Jonathan Isaby, Chief Executive of the Taxpayers' Alliance, has said that the latest revelation raises serious questions about the deal.

He said: "While political donations are a private matter for a club and its shareholders, serious questions remain to be answered about this dubious stadium deal. Taxpayers have paid for this preposterously generous deal and the authorities must address our concerns around it."

Jim Fitzpatrick, Labour MP for Poplar and Limehouse, told the Telegraph: "If the directors want to support the Conservative Party that's no surprise. Using the money from fans and sponsors I think is inappropriate. It's their company however, and the shareholders will have the chance to comment."

Mike Gapes, Labour MP for Ilford South, has said: "I wasn't consulted as a season ticket holder about this. Among those people who pay hard-earned money to watch West Ham, there will be thousands of Labour voters."

Meanwhile, a West Ham spokesperson told the Telegraph: "West Ham United is a private company and, as such, may make donations to whatever organisations or causes it chooses, be that a political party or the numerous charities the club supports."