The following two stories show some of the reaction to Lord Michael Ashcroft’s appointment by UK’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, to the Privy Council.

Also see our story today, “PNP politicians try to shift blame for health care contract”.

1. The peer who came in from the cold

Mr Steerpike reported last week that the Tories’ shadowy donor-cum-puppetmaster, Lord Ashcroft was shunned in America. But it’s not all bad news for the man dubbed the sleaze of Belize. Last night (5) Downing Street announced that he has been appointed to the Privy Council and made ‘Special Representative for Veterans’ Transition’.

While the worthiness of the new role is not in doubt, some observers might raise an eyebrow at the choice of Ashcroft and the timing. The one time Deputy Party Chairman has been very much on the outside since his tax affairs blew up before the 2010 election. And questions about one of companies, BCB Holdings, breaking London Stock Exchange rules arose earlier this year. The PM must be sure that his relationship with the generous lord won’t backfire again.

Ashcroft has managed to stay in the game despite being out of the loop by purchasing ConservativeHome and the largest stake in Dods, the owner of PoliticsHome. Exercising proprietors rights at the former, his interventions, often backed up with significant polling, have been far from helpful to Downing Street. Indeed, the tone of ConservativeHome has become increasingly hostile towards the government. Mr Steerpike will be watching closely to see whether the baubles are enough to buy the disgruntled billionaire.

For more on this story go to:

http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/steerpike/2012/09/the-peer-who-came-in-from-the-cold/

2. That’s it. I am done defending this bunch of unmentionables called a government

That’s it. The final straw has just come. I saw a tweet from Laura Kuenssberg of ITV saying Lord Ashcroft has been appointed to the Privy Council.

At first I thought this was a joke. One of those all too common Twitter spoofs.

But, then, no, I saw it listed on official paperwork.

Then I thought, hang on, it must be another Lord Ashcroft. There are multiple Lords with the same name. You have to check the “of” bit. There must be another anonymous do-gooding Lord Ashcroft somewhere who has been made a Rt Hon. But no, it is indeed Lord Ashcroft KCMG, Baron Ashcroft of Chichester. Not Belize.

Well that’s it. I’m done. Ashcroft to the PC is the final straw. After all the stuff about his tax. Really the last straw.

For more on this story go to:

http://liberalburblings.co.uk/2012/09/thats-it-i-am-done-defending-this-bunch-of-unmentionables-called-a-government/