Thanks Busted, whoever you are, say Tories

British Tory leader Michael Howard welcomed the support of boy band Busted today – but admitted he didn’t know who they were.

The chart stars came out as Conservatives in an interview with society magazine Tatler. “I didn’t know them but I am becoming more familiar with them,” Mr Howard told Sky News when asked if he was a fan. “But I am very pleased they are supporting us.”

Busted’s public school-educated frontman Charlie Simpson, aged 19, revealed himself to be a life-long Tory.

“I don’t really like talking about politics but I’ve always grown up with their views – the Tories’ way of doing things. I just prefer it,” he told Tatler.

Simpson was a boarder at £17,000-a-year (€24,500) Uppingham School in Rutland and his father is a partner in a firm of chartered surveyors, estate agents and auctioneers.

His bandmate Matt Jay, aged 21, claimed to have voted Lib Dem in a by-election but said he had turned Tory since making it rich as a pop star.

“Yeah, actually, you know what, I am not going to be ripped off any more. From the financial position I am in now, I am a f***ing Tory boy too,” he said.

Third member James Bourne, 21, nodded in agreement.

It is the first time a young British band have backed the Tories since the Spice Girls came out as Thatcherites.