Here is the picture

Mr Lit insisted he was at the event in a business capacity as managing director of Sunrise Radio.

He has since quit the Asian station which serves London.

Mr Lit told Sky News he did not know the bash was designed to raise cash for Labour coffers.

"It was a diversity event and I attend them throughout the year," he said.

"It was just part and parcel of my everyday job."

Mr Lit - who says he had been a lifelong Tory - said the £4,800 was paid for by Sunrise.

He added: "It's not an embarrassment."

Joan Ryan, a Labour vice chair who is running the by-election campaign, said: "This breathtaking and naked Tory opportunism will not fool the people of Ealing and Southall.

"David Cameron's personal intervention to overrule local Tories and appoint a candidate has totally backfired.

"David Cameron may lack judgment with his choice of candidate but the voters of Ealing and Southall will see through this charade."

Sky News

And the cheque...