The prime minister was wrong to open a JCB factory in Brazil last week because the company gives money to the Conservative party, the Labour party is saying.

Above: Sir Anthony Bamford shows David Cameron a JCB Dieselmax engine at the new Brazil factory

Labour’s shadow cabinet office minister Michael Dugher has written to civil service chief Sir Jeremy Heywood, the cabinet secretary, questioning the propriety of the government’s relationship with JCB owner Sir Anthony Bamford.

“Do you consider it appropriate for the prime minister to use his office to promote a company which has given the Conservative party significant financial support?” Mr Dugher asks.

Mr Dugher points out that JCB and Bamford family interests have given the Conservative party close to £2m since David Cameron became leader.

The prime minister last week attended the official opening of JCB’s new £60m factory in  São Paolo during an official trade mission to Brazil.

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