Charles Peel

Charles Peel, chairman of Peel Hunt, gave a six-figure sum to the Labour Party in February 2001 (he says it was about £100,000). Peel Hunt, a City stockbroking firm, was floated on the AIM (Alternative Investment Market) at the end of February 2000 and but lost half its market value within 2 months. At the same time its annual profits increase fourfold and the company was sold to Belgian bank KBC at the end of the year. He has said he "had a bit of luck under Labour. I sold up, made a bit of money". Peel earned £45 million from the sale (his Secretary made £2 million). He describes himself as a "Capitalist" and says that he supports the Labour Party because "they've introduced tax benefits for small business". He has said that he may give more money in the future, "I certainly have the tendency to donate again".

He is an Old Etonian and a descendant of Sir Robert Peel, the 19th Century Prime Minister and founder of the British police force.