The group, which received money from BP for at least 50 years, is “cementing its role as a major mouthpiece for climate change scepticism”, campaigners say.

Conservatives accused of a “stitch up” as Trudy Harrison replaces Green Tory Chris Skidmore.

Michael Spencer, who has donated millions to the Conservative Party, is the largest shareholder in North Sea exploration firm Deltic Energy.

The Electoral Commission said it would consider enforcement action after the anti-net zero party inaccurately reported a different name on the donation.

Donations to the Global Warming Policy Foundation fell markedly, with the group posting a loss of over £150,000.

The Dubai-based Legatum Group funds multiple organisations that have advocated against climate action.

Michael Hintze, one of the early backers of the Global Warming Policy Foundation, also donated to Environment Secretary Steve Barclay in 2023.

The fossil fuel industry has a huge presence at this year's UN climate talks — including many US lawmakers who count the sector among their biggest donors.

The former chancellor will reportedly take over as the chairman of the newspaper if it is sold to an investment fund backed by the Gulf state.

The company, which organises conferences for the oil and gas industry, was awarded the contract without competition.