What political finance changes are coming in?Back in 2015 we published Deal or No Deal which looked at public attitudes to political finance following the failed cross-party talks on implementing the Committee on Standards in Public Life recommendations, including a cap...Posted 29 Jul 2026
Two individuals account for a third of all political donations in latest releaseThis week the Electoral Commission released data on political donations received in the first quarter of 2026, revealing exactly why we need a full donations cap. Of the £20.8 million of private donations received in the first three months of this year, £7...Posted 04 Jun 2026
Government to cap overseas donations and stop crypto donationsToday we welcomed the review by Philip Rycroft into countering foreign financial influence and interference in UK politics. The review rightly identifies a loss of trust in our democratic system and processes, and the importance...Posted 25 Mar 2026
We were asked to address MPs on the Representation of the People Bill committeeThis week MPs sitting on the Representation of the People Bill committee took evidence before the bill starts committee stage – the line-by-line examination of the legislation. Expert witnesses are called to give evidence at...Posted 19 Mar 2026
The Representation of the People Bill moves democracy forward – but more progress is neededAt the Electoral Reform Society, we believe democracy is never a finished project. Something so hard won requires constant attention, updating and improvement if it is to remain healthy. That is particularly true at a...Posted 05 Mar 2026
Big win as government commits to restoring independence of Electoral CommissionWe just saw a significant victory when it comes to ensuring the independence of our elections watchdog. It came during the second reading of the Representation of the People Bill on Monday, which is the...Posted 04 Mar 2026
Here’s how we’ve briefed MPs ahead of the next reading of the Representation of the People BillOn Monday 2nd March, MPs will gather for the second reading of the Representation of the People Bill – a welcomed and vital opportunity to discuss a fairer and more representative democracy for all. It will extend the...Posted 26 Feb 2026
Elections bill will bring in once-in-a-generation change to voting – but misses big opportunityToday sees the first reading of the Representation of the People Bill, the government’s landmark legislation reforming how elections work. This promises to make some fundamental reforms to the way we vote, as well as...Posted 12 Feb 2026
An Elections Bill is coming – but will it include fair votes?The government is bringing in new laws to improve our elections – and this is our chance to make things better. After years of broken promises and an electoral system that has consistently left millions...Posted 05 Feb 2026
Why voting isn’t like drinking or smokingI’m pretty glad that 12-year-olds aren’t allowed to drive buses. We have age restrictions on many things for pretty good reasons in the UK, and preventing children from careering down the high street in a...Posted 19 Jan 2026