Friday's London Times reported that Michael Ashcroft, treasurer of the United Kingdom's Conservative Party, "was made Belizean ambassador to the United Nations after he helped bankroll the election victory of the party he favors in his adopted country."
     A "senior" official in Belize's government "said that the unusual appointment was made in return for Mr. Ashcroft's 'significant contributions'" to the People's United Party (PUP), which won an overwhelming victory in last August's elections.
     Belize's ruling party "freely suggests that the UN job will be beneficial to Mr. Ashcroft's own financial networking but it has no qualms about him combining his private and public roles while in New York."
     Ashcroft, who holds dual citizenship in the UK and Belize, reportedly is contributing more than $500,000 per month to the Conservative Party (Damian Whitworth, London Times, 11 Jun).

Kingmaker
     A companion article in the Times details Ashcroft's considerable influence in Belize. The UN envoy owns the country's largest commercial bank and has significant stakes in everything from the telephone and electric companies to radio, television and hotels. Manuel Esquivel, the former prime minister defeated in last year'selection, said his government "clashed" with Ashcroft over tax legislation, prompting Ashcroft's support for the PUP.
     The current opposition party issued a statement voicing concern about Ashcroft's "growing ability to actually control the economy," saying that Belize is "pretty much hostage to his needs (Damian Whitworth, 11 Jun).
     Another Times piece notes that Ashcroft's UN post "gives him far-reaching immunity from American law and the threat of lawsuits." The newspaper could not confirm whether Ashcroft receives a salary or a government-funded official residence in New York (11 Jun).