Transparency International UK responds to latest Electoral Commission donation data

Transparency International UK have responded to the latest Electoral Commission donation data that has revealed political parties accept almost £65m in donations in 2025.

In a quarter that saw Christopher Harborne donate another £3m to Reform UK (on top of his record £9m last summer), becoming the biggest single financial donor in a single year since records began, political parties reported accepting £15,450,561 in donations and public funds.

Responding to the latest quarterly donation data published today by the Electoral Commission, Duncan Hames, Director of Policy, Transparency International UK said:

"It looks like our democracy is becoming a plaything for the super-rich. Today's figures show a single donor gave one party £12 million this year alone — equivalent to a million pounds a month. Political parties are growing ever more dependent on a tiny number of mega-donors, and the impact of that money on our politics is clear: it buys privileged access, political influence, and even seats in the House of Lords.

"The Government should heed the growing calls from the public, civil society and MPs across parties and use their elections bill to finally introduce a cap on political donations. Without one, our democracy will be in the hands of whoever can write the biggest cheque."