Tycoon gives Tories £1m over Rhys Jones

David Whelan, a sports shop tycoon and Wigan Athletic Football Club chairman, has pledged to hand over the money within 14 days if a general election is called.

David Whelan, tycoon gives Tories £1m over Rhys Jones

Mr Whelan – who is not believed to have made a donation to a political party before – said: "I am supporting David Cameron because having met and talked with him I am convinced he has the right approach to dealing with law and order in Britain

"This government, I believe, has failed on that front and the Conservative Party now stands as the only party prepared to take on these issues.

"The murder of Rhys Jones upset me and my family, just as it did so many people in this country.

"David's promise to deal with knife and gun crime, early release of prisoners and more prison places is music to my ears. He has my full support."