Conservatives hold fancy dress party with an 'Oriental' dress code "The word 'oriental" does not describe ethnic origin, background or even race; in fact, it has deep and demeaning historical roots," the governor, David Paterson, said at the time. The event, which will be attended by Grant Shapps, the Conservative Party chairman, costs £100 per ticket. Guests will enjoy a "sumptuous three-course dinner" with wine. I suggest that Shapps attends dressed as Tian Tian, the panda which the Chinese have lent to Edinburgh Zoo.