This 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 million came from just two individuals. That’s two individuals accounting for a third of all donations – £1 of every £3 given.
Donations accepted (excl. public funds) in Q1 2026
Published by the Electoral Commission: Political parties accept £24.7m in donations in Q1 2026
Whilst the government is taking steps to address the risk of foreign funding of UK political parties through the Representation of the People Bill, the lack of a cap on UK donations means that a handful of very wealthy individuals can continue to assert undue influence over our politics.
And multi-million donations are becoming more common. In the last year we have seen the largest party donation ever made in a single donation of £9 million. With no limit to how much an individual or company can give, the UK is not only out of step with comparable countries but highly exposed to party capture.
The Rycroft Review
Following publication of the Rycroft review into foreign financial interference in March this year, the government committed to a £100,000 cap on donations from British voters living abroad. This is a step in the right direction, but it does not address the imbalances in UK party funding where millionaires can buy influence far beyond that of voters, damaging people’s faith in our democracy.
The public support a cap on donations as do many millionaires – 82 percent of whom think there should be a limit to how much money politicians and political parties can receive from individuals.
The Representation of the People Bill will return to the Commons soon. This is a vital opportunity to address this glaring gap in our political finance regime. Failing to do so now will be a huge missed opportunity to secure our democracy and ensure it works for everyone, not only those with the deepest pockets.
MPs are debating changes to the rules that govern political funding
Add your name to tell them that our democracy is not for sale