An Israeli-born businessman who has donated hundreds of thousands to the Conservative Party is expected to be appointed its treasurer.

Ehud Sheleg, who is director of the Halcyon Gallery in Mayfair, is to be handed the role of increasing donations made to the party.

Sir Mick Davis, Conservative chief executive, had previously also handled the role of party treasurer – but the role is expected to now be split, with fund-raising handled by Mr Sheleg, who is known as 'Udi'.

In January 2017, the art expert and collector registered his first donation to the Conservative Party when he gave £50,000.

Last May, ahead of the general election, Mr Sheleg donated a further £500,000 to the party.

The Halcyon Gallery was last year behind plans to erect a sculpture "dedicated to Mother Nature" in London's Trafalgar Square.

As chief executive of the gallery, Mr Sheleg said the project, for which plans were submitted to Westminster Council, would be a “win, win, win situation” for the council, the public, and the Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn.

“People can go to museums and galleries to see art, but when it is immersed and embedded into public life the experience is enhanced,” said Mr Sheleg.

“The local authority gets a piece of public art installed for free, and of course it raises awareness for the artist.”

The Halcyon has hosted exhibitions by artists including Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan.

Mr Sheleg, who is now based in north London , is said to be a donor to several community charitable organisations .

Sir Mick, former chair of the Jewish Leadership Council, was appointed chief executive of the Conservatives in June last year following the general election, and had been appointed treasurer in February 2016.

The Conservative Party said it did not comment on appointments.