Corruption and Political Funding

The Commission on Political Power has today (Friday 22 March 2024) published an eight-point manifesto with ideas for reform to safeguard British politics from slipping further into corruption.

Abuse of power for private gain contrary to the public interest is starting to corrode our political structures and undermine public confidence. The Commission says in its publication that corruption is both individual as well as systemic corruption of public decision making influenced by private interests.

The Commission held evidence sessions and had expert written evidence submissions and looked at recent cases of individual and corporate corruption.

The publication includes eight suggestions for reform which are based on the evidence provided by expert academics and organisations and which is available on the Commission's website.

1. There should be media understanding that corruption in politics is a British problem

2. Radical changes are needed to funding political parties, ending corporate gifts, putting in thresholds and bringing in transparency

3. A Democracy Voucher given to every voter to distribute state funding, based on the Seattle scheme

4. A presumption that MPs and members of the reformed Senate should not have second jobs

5. End the gifting of a peerage

6. Enhance the powers of the Electoral Commission

7. The Serious Fraud Office to include investigation into corruption and the National Crime Agency to prosecute and enforce standards

8. Guard against state capture by protecting institutions like the judiciary and civil society groups

Frances Crook, Co-Convenor of the Commission, said: "As we near a general election we must not let corruption seep into and undermine the process. We are not yet a fundamentally corrupt country, but it is a slippery slope that has already been well trodden, including the handing out of political honours to party donors and questionable links to huge contracts for public services. We hope the incoming government will consider our ideas seriously before it is too late."

Baroness Frances D'Souza, Co-Convenor of the Commission said: "There is growing public concern at what appears to be systemic corruption in politics. There are lessons to be learnt. Government and public figures act with impunity and there are signs that this status quo is beginning to be accepted; we must do all we can to halt and eradicate this perception."

Contact Frances Crook 07778 740 653 

The full paper is on the Commission website at 

Options Paper 5: Corruption and Political Funding

See Commission on Political Power for previous papers on Increasing citizens' engagement with political power, reform of the House of Lords, Executive and Head of State.