One of David Cameron's most influential advisers was arrested and fined for disorder in a dispute over a train ticket, it has emerged.
Director of strategy Steve Hilton became embroiled in a row with rail staff as he left Birmingham after the party's annual conference in October 2008, leading to police being involved.
Channel 4 News said Mr Hilton swore during the ensuing argument, which blew up after he failed to produce a valid ticket quickly enough for his journey.
A Conservative Party spokesman said: "In October 2008 Steve Hilton was involved in a dispute about the production of a ticket at Birmingham New Street Station after our party conference.
"Steve was in possession of a valid ticket but was unable to produce it quickly enough. After British Transport Police intervened a further argument took place and Steve was arrested.
"Shortly afterwards Steve apologised, was de-arrested and issued with a penalty notice."
A British Transport Police spokesman told Channel 4 News: "Shortly before 5pm on Wednesday 1 October 2008, a 39-year-old man from London was arrested at Birmingham New Street railway station after a dispute over the production of his ticket.
"Once the man had calmed down, he was issued with a penalty notice for disorder under section 5 of the Public Order Act."
