Coming hot on the heels of a flurry of embarrassment about the bad-taste antics of some of its younger members, Britain's Conservative Party has received a timely boost with the news that

Coming hot on the heels of a flurry of embarrassment about the bad-taste antics of some of its younger members, Britain's Conservative Party has received a timely boost with the news that Stanley Fink, the former chief executive of hedge fund manager Man Group, will head the party's fundraising for the country's next general election.

The Tories are gearing up their efforts in the hope of ousting Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his Labour Party, which has ruled the UK since 1997, at an election that must be held at some time over the next 18 months. Fink is to become co-treasurer of the Conservative Party and has already donate GBP1m of his own money in a bid to help Tory leader David Cameron form the next government.

Fink, chief executive of International Standard Asset Management since September, says: 'Britain badly needs change and I look forward to playing my part to help ensure David Cameron is elected as our next prime minister. I believe he and his team have the vision and the policies to help this country out of the recession and back on to the right path for the future.'

Last May, Fink stepped down as deputy chairman of Man Group, one of the world's biggest hedge fund managers, but he shows no signs of seeking a quiet life. His involvement in election fundraising will undoubtedly prove a tremendous fillip for the Tories as they seek to return to winning ways after three consecutive defeats at Labour's hands.