Labour MP brings bill to cap political donations before parliament
Labour and Co-operative MP Stella Creasy is backing a bill that would cap political donations, warning that wealthy individuals are already positioning to influence the next UK general election.
Labour and Co-operative MP Stella Creasy has set out a plan to cap political donations, warning that the chequebooks of the rich and powerful are already circling the next general election. Her intervention comes as measures to restrict what overseas donors can give are due before parliament this week as part of the representation of the people bill.
Creasy, the MP for Walthamstow, pointed to a single donation of £9m given to Reform by Christopher Harborne in one day — more than double the amount all trade unions combined gave Labour nationally and its MPs directly for the entirety of the last general election. She said such largesse was once rare in British politics but has become commonplace.
In 2015, just 1% of donations came from individuals and companies giving £1m or more. By 2024, that figure had risen to a third. Creasy argues that focusing only on the location of a donor misses how wealthy individuals can set up a UK shell company or use a UK postcode to continue to dominate democracy.
The prime minister has recognised how toxic the situation has become and the public support for action, Creasy said. The measures coming before parliament on Wednesday would cap what overseas donors can give, but she argues the level of donations must also be addressed.
With several British millionaires already funding political entities and parties, and others waiting in the wings, Creasy said the goal must be to ensure no one — near or far — can buy Westminster. The bill proposing a cap on donations is up for debate this week, and she urged colleagues to seize the chance to keep big money out of British politics.
