"LIB DEMS CAN KISS THEIR BIGGEST BACKER GOODBYE"

By Humphrey Carter THE Liberal Democrat's biggest donor, Majorcan-based businessman Michael Brown, yesterday told the Bulletin that the party has not only lost its leader but also his support. Brown gave the party £2.4 million last year to help the election campaign but said yesterday he is “disgusted and very surprised” at the way Charles Kennedy has been ousted because of his drinking problem. “I donated the money to help Charles as opposed to the party as such. I maintain that what he does in private is his affair. He is a great politician and should have been given time and help to get over his problem. “As far as I'm concerned I've had it with politics and will certainly not be giving the party any more funds,” he told the Bulletin. “Hopefully Charles can now be the Charles I backed, along with many others, and can say what he truly feels and believes from the back benches.”