How did the Conservative party – with its history of appearing to be deeply homophobic – end up with so many gay members and supporters?

When Ken Livingstone made his infamous comment about the Tory party being "riddled" with gay men back in February, he ignited a row over his choice of words. But funnily enough, I don't remember anyone taking him to task on the basic fact. They couldn't really, as it is a fact: the Conservative party does have a large number of gay members and supporters.