Ashcroft's duty

In the forthcoming election, there will be far more scrutiny about the funding – and probity – of the parties, and the clarification of Tory benefactor Lord Ashcroft's tax status is hardly likely to reassure voters about the Conservatives' ability to clean up politics, and remove any suspicion of impropriety.

The "non dom" status enjoyed by Lord Ashcroft, and others, is a privilege for the super-rich. Their exemption means ordinary people – like the voters in the marginal constituencies where the Tory campaign is being bankrolled by the peer – have to pay more tax on their limited incomes.

Some would say that it is very noble of Lord Ashcroft to offer to become "resident and domiciled" in the UK if the Tories win the election, and, therefore, pay more tax on a greater proportion of his 1.1bn personal fortune.

Yet, if Lord Ashcroft is so confident that the Tories will win, why doesn't he give up his "non dom status" straight away? A true patriot would and this, according to Mr Cameron, is what the next election is all about.