New Electoral Commission figures released today show private political donations surged by 214% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, rising to more than £20.7 million.
Two donors, Ben Delo and Christopher Harbourne, account for around a third of all private donations.
As political parties become ever more reliant on large donations, campaigners warn that Westminster risks looking less like a democracy and more like a VIP club for those who can afford the membership fee.
Clean Up Westminster is calling on the PM to deliver real change:
- Take big money out of politics: Cap donations to stop our democracy being sold to the highest bidder
- Crack down on corruption and misconduct by Ministers and MPs: Nobody should be above the law, and the worst offenders should go to jail
- Clean out the House of Lords: No more handing out peerages to donors, and no more Lords lobbying for pay
Responding to the figures, Susan Hawley, Executive Director of Spotlight on Corruption, said:
“These figures expose the scale of big money flowing into British politics and raise serious questions about who is funding our political parties and what access that money may be buying.
Time and again, we see a small number of wealthy individuals and opaque corporate structures playing an outsized role in financing our democracy. That risks undermining public trust and fuels the perception that the rich can simply buy political influence, bypassing and undermining our democracy.
The Representation of the People Bill is a rare opportunity to strengthen transparency, close loopholes and ensure our political system works for everyone, not just for those with the deepest pockets.”
Olly Buston, Director of Clean Up Westminster, said:
“We need to end the VIP culture at the heart of Westminster.
When a tiny number of wealthy donors can spend millions promoting the politicians and causes they favour, it’s no surprise people feel politics is rigged against them. The rich and powerful shouldn’t be able to buy themselves a louder voice in our democracy.
Keir Starmer’s current proposals for a moratorium on crypto donations and a ban on foreign donations are not fit for purpose. Crypto can be effortlessly turned into cash and these mega donors are world champions at moving money around the world. A hard and low cap on all political donations is the only real solution.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Clean Up Westminster launched with a Westminster Tube takeover and “clean graffiti” stunt highlighting the influence of big money in politics.
The campaign launch video has been viewed more than 1.5 million times on Instagram alone: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYmdypjAfiR/
Images, video footage and campaign assets, including the Clean Up Westminster roundel artwork, are available on request.
Clean Up Westminster is a non-partisan, people-powered movement campaigning to reduce the influence of money in politics and strengthen standards in public life.
For interviews, additional images and footage from today’s stunt, or further information, please contact:
Sara Badawi
SaraBadawi@CleanUpWestminster.org
07826528296