Elections bill - new rules will still allow the super-rich to buy political influence

Transparency International UK have welcomed new laws to stop foreign donations being hidden in shell companies but warned that without donation caps outsized influence of mega-donors remains. 
 
The anti-corruption experts welcomed measures in the bill including strengthened rules on company donations, new “Know Your Donor” guidance, and tighter requirements for unincorporated associations but warn the lack of action on big money donations means any legislation does not go far enough to protect our democracy and restore trust in UK politics. 
 
Research by the Transparency International UK found that 66% of private political donations in 2023 came from just 19 mega-donors, showing the ever-increasing reliance of political parties and politicians on big donors.  
 
With the 2024 general election, the highest spending on record with parties spending a record £92 million in 2024 with the big-money problem in UK politics is clear to see. 
 
Duncan Hames, Director of Policy, Transparency International UK said:  
 
"Legislation to close the dark money loopholes in British politics is long overdue, and this bill takes some welcome steps. But it does not go far enough — either to achieve its stated ambitions or to contend with the biggest threats to our democracy. 

"Public trust in our politics is already perilously low and these new rules will still allow the super-rich to buy political influence through large donations. Until that changes, trust will only continue to fall. 

"MPs now have a choice: settle for half-measures or use this bill to set a meaningful cap on individual donations, reduce campaign spending limits, and fully restore the independence of the Electoral Commission. If the Government is serious about restoring trust, this is the moment to prove it." 

The bill comes as the criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson's alleged misconduct in public office which corruption experts say is the most dramatic illustration yet of a political culture that has become dangerously comfortable in the orbit of the mega-rich.  

Britain's lowest ever score in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index published this week shows the level of corruption concern amongst experts and business leaders.