A cambridge university student has been kicked out of the Conservative Association after he was recorded burning a £20 note in front of a homeless man in the streets of Cambridge. Ronald Coyne, who was caught burning the note in a white bow tie and tails, claims to be a relative of Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon.
Part of a ceremony?
In the video, the Ronald Coyne has problems lighting the note as the film maker focused on the homeless person in the early hours of February 2nd. Reportedly, burning a £50 note in front of a homeless person is part of the initiation ceremony for Oxford's Bullingdon club, which boasts former Prime Minister David Cameron and former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne as previous members.
Speaking to The Tab, an onlooker said: 'I couldn't get a good view of what was going on at the time. There was a lot of noise and laughing. Then, the next morning, I saw the video. I'm utterly shocked and appalled that someone could treat another human being with such contempt'.
Current honorary president of the Conservative Association at Cambridge University, prolific historian Andrew Roberts, condemned the actions of Ronald Coyne in the staunchest of terms: 'We wish to disassociate the Conservative Association with the actions of this individual. Coyne's behaviour was morally repugnant. Given the circumstances, we have permanently revoked his membership to the Conservative Association and have banned him from all upcoming events.
There is no room for people who choose to behave this way in the Conservative Association'.
Despite the CUCA's firm stance on Ronald Coyne, the CUCA have been involved with their fair share of scandal over the past several months. Last year, the CUCA was accused of 'aggressive sexism and bigotry'.
No close relation to Sturgeon, according to spokesperson
A spokesperson for the SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, distanced the First Minister from Coyne's claims that he is a relative of hers. The spokesperson said: 'The man in question has no direct relationship with the First Minister or her husband. It's really that simple. He may well go around claiming to be Nicola Sturgeon's nephew but he isn't. Coyne's actions are absolutely deplorable'.