Re:

David Rowland in the UK press described as "Shady Financier", being the largest Conservatives donor for the elections (£2.7m) last year.

He resigned his post as Tory treasurer last Thursday before he started.

before he started ?? what?

Just clarified with PA. He says:

DR was asked to take on the position by the PM when Michael Spencer stops in Oct. He said he would do it and in the intervening period he decided not to take up the appointment. For numerous reasons not least to the internal situation in the party.