The UK government is set to introduce stricter regulations on overseas donors and corporate contributions, aimed at preventing foreign influence in domestic elections. A key proposal would cap individual donations from abroad at £100,000 for a year after the donor's return to Britain, significantly impacting high-profile financiers of Reform UK.
Notably, British billionaire Christopher Harborne, based in Thailand, made a record-breaking £9 million donation to Reform last year. He has since registered to vote in the UK, while cryptocurrency investor Ben Delo, who donated £4 million between January and March, plans to move back to Britain to continue supporting the party. Under the new proposals, both would be subject to the £100,000 cap upon their return.
The changes also target corporate donations, shifting from a revenue-based system to one evaluating contributions based on post-tax profits over five years. This is intended to ensure only businesses with genuine UK links can donate to political parties. Furthermore, candidates will now need to verify that pre-election funding originated from legitimate sources, declaring any donations exceeding £2,230 received before their official candidacy.
These reforms follow a review led by former civil servant Philip Rycroft, initiated in response to concerns about foreign influence in UK politics. The proposals are set to be introduced as amendments to the Representation of the People Bill, which will undergo further consideration in the House of Commons on 14 July.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed has highlighted the importance of these measures, stating that "British democracy is not for sale." He added that the new rules would "shut down dodgy funding, stop foreign money influencing our elections and keep our democracy strong."