Whether you call it Londongrad or the London Laundromat, there’s no doubt that the UK has a serious problem with dirty money in politics. It undermines the integrity of our elections and therefore our democracy – a problem that is exacerbated by weak rules around donations to political parties. These issues can and must be dealt with if we’re to drive dirty money out of UK politics.
Spotlight has researched and developed a model “know your donor” policy that political parties could straightforwardly implement. And we continue to recommend additional important measures to secure the integrity of the UK’s democratic processes.
Our analysis looks at the good bits in the Rycroft Review and where it didn’t go far enough.
In February 2026, the Director-General of the NCA told a Parliamentary inquiry: “there is no point legislating for something unless you are going to enforce it as well. That is...
In response to the publication of the Rycroft Review, Dr Susan Hawley, Executive Director of Spotlight on Corruption said: “The publication of the Rycroft review should be a line in...
Responding to the publication of the Political Finance report, published today by the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, Executive Director of Spotlight on Corruption, Dr Susan Hawley, said:...
Campaigning is vital for fair elections. Parties and candidates need to be able to communicate with voters to explain their policies and seek public support. At the same time, limits...
This briefing is to support amendment NC4 to the Representation of the People Bill which prohibits political parties and candidates from accepting cryptocurrency donations, either directly or through a third-party...
The government’s Representation of the People Bill does not yet contain a ban on crypto donations. The ongoing Rycroft review into foreign influence is also looking at crypto donations and...
The government’s Representation of the People Bill goes some way towards protecting our democracy by introducing stronger checks on donations and enhancing enforcement. However, there is still far to go...
