Wirral 320

The Daily Post attempted to speak to the chairman and treasurer of Wirral West Conservatives, but calls were not returned.

Instead, an email was received from a Conservative press officer in Manchester, on behalf of the association, which said: "All of our accounts are open to public scrutiny and full details are available to the public.

"Lists of all donations over £1,500 made to the association are available via the electoral commission's website. The vast majority of our funds are raised directly through local campaigning and by donation from local businesses."

Maria Eagle, the Labour MP for Garston, said: "The Conservatives should be open with the people of Wirral West about where they are getting their money from. It looks shady. If they are not open with people, could it be that the money has come from a tax exile who can't keep his promises to pay tax and be properly resident in this country?"

On one estimate, Conservative headquarters has pumped £1.1m into the coffers of constituency parties in Britain's most marginal seats – allowing them to massively outspend political opponents.

Neighbouring Wirral South, also a top Tory target, received £35,044 between 2005 and 2008, either from Central Office grants or through the “fighting fund”.