Political Parties and Elections Bill

Clause 8 creates a new responsibility for donors to political parties to clarify the source of donations. Following the Government's recent amendments made in the other place, donors giving more than £7,500 will be required to make a declaration of whether another person is providing them with any money or other benefit worth more than £7,500. The impact of the measure will still be widespread and costly—even if not quite so much as before—in terms of time and money for parties at local level, which is where such burdens are most heavily felt. Political parties need sufficient funds to fulfil their democratic functions. However, there is a paradox at the heart of party politics in the United Kingdom: although there is recognition that political parties are key in mobilising local political activity and are a central vehicle in implementing civic engagement, the membership of political parties, the turnout at elections and the trust and confidence in politicians are at an all-time low. That has major implications for the financial management of political parties. Modern centralised campaigns have resulted in escalating— Debate interrupted (Programme Order, this day). The Speaker put forthwith the Question already proposed from the Chair (Standing Order No. 83F), That this House agrees with Lords amendment 9. Question agreed to. Lords amendment 9 accordingly agreed to. The Speaker then put forthwith the Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that time (Standing Order No. 83F). Lords amendments 10, 13, 28, 66 to 68, 14, 48, 49, 100 to 102, 104, 15 to 24, 103, 25 to 27, 69 to 92, 107, 29 to 32 and 93 to 95 agreed to.