A million pounds here, a few hundred thousand there. Life-changing sums for most of us. Yet in the world of political finance, these are the figures some individuals can casually drop into party coffers.
It should never become normal for that kind of money to set the political weather. But increasingly, it is.
People donate large sums because they see it as a good investment. Sometimes it’s about business interests. Sometimes it’s about shaping the country to match their own ideals. But whatever the motive, one thing is clear: in a healthy democracy, no one should be able to buy a louder voice.
That’s why we have long argued for a cap on political donations.
Why unchecked donations are a problem
For years, the concern was simple enough: wealthy individuals could secure access, steer conversations, or help nudge a policy in a direction that suited them. That was already a problem.
But now a new dynamic is emerging. The ultra-wealthy are in the position not just to influence a political movement, but to bankroll one entirely. When one person can become the sole funder of a party or campaign, the balance breaks. Politics becomes less about what benefits society and more about what benefits the person writing the cheque.
A system that works for everyone
A donation cap is a straightforward safeguard. It stops any one person from dominating the finances of a party. It limits the risk of policy becoming a private commodity. And it helps bring politics back into the realm of shared interests rather than private leverage.
Other democracies already do this. They recognise that fairness isn’t automatic, it’s the result of rules designed to protect it. The UK should be no different.
The Elections Bill is a critical moment for change
The government is working on a new Elections Bill. This is a rare opportunity to build a system that reflects democratic values, not wealth and power.
We should be clear about what’s at stake. Without a cap, political parties can start to look like trophies, another yacht, another island, for those who can afford them. Influence becomes something to collect. That’s not how democracy should work.
Public opinion is firmly on our side: a poll earlier in the year found that 60% of people support a cap on political donations.
What we can do now
A donation cap is simple, fair, and long overdue. It protects parties. It protects voters. And it protects the principle that political power should be shared—not concentrated in the hands of those with the deepest pockets.
This is the moment to act. If you believe our politics should reflect all of us, not just a wealthy few, join us in calling for a donation cap to be included in the Elections Bill. Together, we can help build a system where everyone’s voice counts.
Add your name to demand donations caps in the Elections Bill