London's Americans rally round with £620,000 gifts

NEARLY 2,000 Americans in London have raised more than $1 million (£620,000) in individual donations for Barack Obama's campaign, the Standard can reveal.

The presidential candidate can count on the support of some of the capital's most influential business leaders and a host of academics, City bankers, lawyers, and executives.

Among those who have donated to his election fund are River Cafe co-founder Ruth Rogers, WarnerBros' UK chief Josh Berger, Bebo president Joanna Shields, budget hotel boss Barbara Cassani, PR executive David Gallagher, Google's director of product management Ien Cheng, socialite Victoria de Rothschild and art curator Kay Saatchi.

According to figures released by the American federal election commission, more than 1,802 people who live in London have already donated $1,280,878 (£780,192) between them. The amount from Britain has surpassed expectations, particularly as each individual can only donate $2,300 (£1,400) each for the election.

One of the many Americans based in London to have donated the maximum amount is Joe Cohen, CEO of the ticket share website Seatwave. He said: "This election is unprecedented in the impact it will have on the future of the US in the world.

"Senator Obama is the person to lead us into the next few years and to get us back on track with vital issues such as our energy policy and relationship with our allies."

John McCain has raised just $98,050 (£60,654) from 63 supporters in London.