Letter of the month - Surprise over tone and hints of 'sleaze'

I am responding to David Worsfold's comments in the May edition of Professional Broking (Parliament, p14).

In it he stated: "Mr Sheikh has directly contributed £43,000, plus another undisclosed sum through the Conservative Foundation, which he set up, chairs and bankrolls."

I am surprised at his remarks and the tone of some of the contents of the article. I received hundreds of emails and letters of congratulation - many from members of our industry - and the article is the only one which has any hint of possible sleaze.

I do not have a 'cloud hovering above me' or any need to overcome any scandal.

I emphatically state that no undisclosed sums have been made by me, and there was a complete disclosure on my part and by the Conservative Party with regard to donations or any other payment. The amounts disclosed by me include payments for the benefit of the Conservative Muslim Forum. When the nomination for my Peerage was submitted, all the payments were disclosed to the House of Lords Appointmenmts Commission. The commission thoroughly scrutinised my nomination and the appointment was confirmed.

Worsfold has written the article as Secretary, All Party for Insurance and Financial Services but I feel the article is irresponsible and unwarranted in parts. I would be interested in learning whether the views are his own or represent the feelings of the group.

Having said the above, I would agree that the Financial Services industry is under-represented in Parliament and I intend to play an active role in the affairs of state and the House of Lords. I will get involved in issues which affect everyone in the country.

We have, to a large extent, lost our manufacturing base and the country is reliant on services industries, which includes our own business.

I for one will certainly play my part in the protection and promotion of our industry. Despite Worsfold's comments I would be happy to consider working with his group in order to achieve the right objectives.

Mohamed IItaf (Richard) Sheikh

Chairman and chief executive,

Camberford Law Group.