Press Story

IPPR has reacted to the Electoral Commission’s revelation that Reform UK has received a record £9m donation from a single wealthy supporter – the largest sum ever gifted to any UK party by a living person.

Dr Parth Patel, IPPR associate director for democracy and politics, said:

“We should all be concerned that wealthy individuals are accounting for a growing share of party funding.

“Christopher Harborne’s £9m donation to Reform is record-breaking, but comes in the context of more millionaires donating to political parties than ever before.

“The only real solution is for the government to introduce a cap on how much any one individual can donate in a given year. That a cryptocurrency investor based in Thailand would still be allowed to finance British democracy under the new election laws the government is trying to pass only highlights its holes.

“Not so long ago, donations over three or four million pounds were extremely rare. They are now quite common.

“It is no surprise that voters perceive their support is worth less to a political party than the power of someone else’s pound. This is an under-acknowledged reason behind declines in voter turnout and falling political trust in our country.”

IPPR has previously called for a £100,000 cap on individual donations, among other measures aimed at increasing trust in democracy and raising the number of people who vote in elections.

ENDS

Dr Parth Patel, IPPR associate director for democracy and politics, is available for interview, as are other IPPR experts.

CONTACT

David Wastell, director of news and communications: 07921 403651 d.wastell@ippr.org

Rosie Okumbe, digital and media officer: 07825 185421 r.okumbe@ippr.org

Liam Evans, head of news and media: 07419 365 334 l.evans@ippr.org

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Modernising elections: How to get voters back by Dr Parth Patel and Dr Ryan Swift, is at at: https://www.ippr.org/articles/modernising-elections
IPPR (the Institute for Public Policy Research) is an independent charity working towards a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society. We are researchers, communicators, and policy experts creating tangible progressive change, and turning bold ideas into common sense realities. Working across the UK, IPPR, IPPR North, and IPPR Scotland are deeply connected to the people of our nations and regions, and the issues our communities face. We have helped shape national conversations and progressive policy change for more than 30 years. From making the early case for the minimum wage and tackling regional inequality, to proposing a windfall tax on energy companies, IPPR’s research and policy work has put forward practical solutions for the crises facing society. www.ippr.org.