By Lord Ashcroft
The so-called ‘Paradise Papers’
The BBC has suggested that I may have ignored rules in connection with the Punta Gorda Trust. (Please note the deliberate inclusion by Panorama of the word ‘may’.) In fact, I can state unequivocally that I have not ignored rules, and that I do not control the Punta Gorda Trust, and never have done. Throughout the Trust’s existence, I have never known the identity of any of the Trustees, let alone had any dealings with them. At no point has it been suggested directly to me, or through others, that I have taken any inappropriate action. No professional Trustee has ever resigned because of anything I may have done. (more…)