London - The Virgin boss, Mr Richard Branson, has indicated that he lost the contract to run the National Lottery because he refused to give money to the Tory party, it has been reported.
He told the London Independent of a "bizarre" invitation to dine with Mr John Major before the lottery contract was awarded four years ago. The paper said the tycoon also told how hints were regularly dropped that he would get "favours" - possibly honours - if he made a donation.