Ministers to crack down on political donations as Farage faces calls for second inquiry
Summary
The UK government is introducing new rules to limit large political donations and make funding more transparent. This comes as Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, faces possible investigations into benefits and donations he received from a convicted fraudster before becoming a Member of Parliament.Key Facts
- The government will cap donations at £100,000 for people who have recently moved to the UK to prevent foreign influence in elections.
- New checks will be introduced to ensure companies donating to politics are genuine by looking at their profits and revenues.
- Political candidates will need to declare donations over £2,230, including those received before officially running for office.
- Nigel Farage received various benefits from George Cottrell, a crypto entrepreneur convicted of wire fraud in the US.
- Farage declared some donations from Cottrell after becoming an MP but did not disclose earlier gifts like staff support and use of a mansion.
- The parliamentary standards commissioner may open a new investigation into gifts Farage received before becoming an MP.
- The government plans to add these rules as amendments to the Representation of the People Bill.
- Government ministers say the new measures aim to protect UK democracy from "dodgy funding" and foreign interference.
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