PODCAST: Money and British politics – the good, the bad and the ugly
Has money polluted British politics? Can its influence be tamed? And what can be learnt from talking with election agents? … Read the full post »
Donations
Donations to political parties, candidates and politicians are regulated in the UK, but the rules are not always followed as you can find out from my posts on the subject.
Pandora Papers: Foreign property ownership law must be introduced says Lib Dems
Liberal Democrats have demanded that the Conservatives finally bring in long-delayed legislation to tackle money-laundering through UK properties as soon as Parliament returns. … Read the full post »
Conservative donor fined for hiding true source of money
An update on financial saga around Northampton Town Football Club, which earlier this year resulted in seven people being charged over donations made to the Conservative Party in 2014. … Read the full post »
Seven people charged over donations to Conservative local association
Seven people have been charged with electoral offences by police investigating a missing £10.25m loan to Northampton Town Football Club. … Read the full post »
Labour councillor Matt Kerr fined by Electoral Commission
A reminder for councillors of all political parties about the importance of knowing and following donations rules comes with this month’s batch of enforcement updates from the Electoral Commission. … Read the full post »
Pimlico Plumbers boss starts donating to the Lib Dems (again)
Back in 2018, I reported on how Charlie Mullins of Pimlico Plumbers had switched from being a Conservative to Liberal Democrat donor. … Read the full post »
Arron Banks loses legal case; has to pay up £162,945 in taxes
Arron Banks, already facing multiple official investigations into his financing of the pro-Brexit cause in Britain, has lost his appeal against HMRC. As a result, he is going to have to pay up £162,945 in taxes. … Read the full post »
Conservatives vote to keep mystery Euro referendum donation secret
During the 2016 European referendum, the DUP received £435,000 in a secret donation which was then spent on Brexit campaigning across the UK. The Conservatives have now ditched plans to make this donation public, ignoring the advice of the official regulator. … Read the full post »
Conservative donor switches to Lib Dems over Brexit
Conservative donor Charlie Mullins is switching his financial support to the Liberal Democrats over Brexit. … Read the full post »
Chairman of company stumps up cash after shareholders object to firm donating to Conservatives
After a shareholder revolt, the chairman of a City firm which made £25,000 worth of donations to Conservative candidates has agreed to reimburse the firm for the money given. … Read the full post »