Row over Tory bid to grab local party cash

Michael Howard faced new internal strains today over moves to seize "pots of gold" from local Tory branches.

The Conservative finance department is pushing for new party rules which would allow it to grab small fortunes lying in bank accounts controlled by local branches.

But the plan - to be put to members as part of Mr Howard's reforms - is set to cause a major row between national managers and groups of traditionally independent party activists.

Many constituencies have seemingly large savings, often from selling off grand old town centre buildings.

However former Conservative chief executive Archie Norman said the amounts are "mostly small" and that "legally there is nothing that can be done".

The move comes alongside other controversial plans including abolition of local activists' right to have the final say on the party leader.

Some critics accuse Mr Howard of trying to turn local branches into " franchises" of the national party.