Educated at Eton College, I completed my National Service with the Welsh Guards before studying law at Oxford. Initially a barrister, I soon switched to investment banking, subsequently setting up the spread betting company I.G. Index in 1974.

Though I made my fortune through I.G. Index, I am perhaps best known for my political activism and as a major donor to the Conservative Party.

Politics

I became known nationally for donating £5m to the Conservative Party during the 2001 election campaign. This donation remains the largest single donation ever made to a political party in the United Kingdom.

In January 2008, I brought an unsuccessful action against the government over its refusal to hold a referendum on Lisbon Treaty ratification. The action was designed to force the three main parties to adhere to their promises for a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

Because of the failure of the Conservatives to promise a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty whether law or not, when and if they come to power, I donated £100,000 on 28 March 2009 to the eurosceptic United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP). My words, at the time: "If they kick me out I will understand. I will be very sorry about it but it won't alter my stance." The following day, 29 March, I was expelled from the Conservative Party.

Since my expulsion, I have campaigned on behalf of UKIP.

Interests

In addition to my business and political activities, I am also involved with various charities. I speak on behalf of human rights, and feel even more strongly about torture than the European Union. I donate to Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Liberty.