Cap donations to political parties from individuals and businesses

Background

UK political parties face no legal limit on donations, allowing wealthy individuals and corporations to buy political influence. This undermines democracy, contradicts anti-bribery law, and means policy decisions can be shaped by the richest donors rather than the needs of ordinary citizens.

Additional details

History proves money buys influence. Bernie Ecclestone donated £1m to Labour and received a tobacco advertising exemption. The “Cash for Honours” scandal saw large donors nominated for peerages. Nearly 1 in 5 elite Conservative donors received honours. In 2025, one individual gave £9m to Reform UK. The Bribery Act 2010 makes it illegal to pay for favourable treatment — yet political donations escape this entirely. We need a legal donation cap, tighter loopholes, and stronger penalties now.