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UK political parties report huge rise in donations UK political parties report huge rise in donations
(about 11 hours later)
A total of £15m was donated to Britain’s political parties between April and June, more than double the sum received in the first quarter of this year.A total of £15m was donated to Britain’s political parties between April and June, more than double the sum received in the first quarter of this year.
Amid speculation of an autumn snap election, parties have significantly bolstered their campaign war chests.Amid speculation of an autumn snap election, parties have significantly bolstered their campaign war chests.
The Electoral Commission said an extra £8m was accepted by 16 parties in the second quarter of this year than between January and March.The Electoral Commission said an extra £8m was accepted by 16 parties in the second quarter of this year than between January and March.
The Conservative party appears to have been buoyed by its change in leader, after Theresa May announced in May that she would be standing down as prime minister.The Conservative party appears to have been buoyed by its change in leader, after Theresa May announced in May that she would be standing down as prime minister.
Her departure triggered a leadership contest that was dominated by her successor, Boris Johnson, and his pledge to deliver Brexit by the 31 October deadline – a promise that appears to have attracted donors.Her departure triggered a leadership contest that was dominated by her successor, Boris Johnson, and his pledge to deliver Brexit by the 31 October deadline – a promise that appears to have attracted donors.
With MPs having passed the Benn bill which would prevent a no deal Brexit at the end of October, and that legislation making its way slowly through the House of Lords, prime minister Boris Johnson failed in his attempt to force a general election. After losing the vote in the Commons, Johnson gave little away as to what he planned to do next, instead saying that MPs must reflect on their position over the next couple of days.
Johnson had asked the Queen to prorogue parliament during this week. MPs were due to have a recess period anyway for the party conference season. 
The Labour and Conservative party conferences are due to be held on consecutive weeks - although MPs may be out campaigning for an election instead.
This is the date that Johnson was proposing parliament returns for the Queen’s speech setting out a legislation programme for his government.
This is the date on which the prime minister was suggesting a general election should be held.
EU leaders meet for the final European council summit before the UK's extension is due to expire. They could possibly agree a new deal at this point - with just about enough time for Johnson to try and get it through parliament.
The six-month article 50 extension will expire, and Boris Johnson has pledged that the UK will leave the EU with or without a deal on that date. If the Benn bill becomes law, he will be forced instead to accept an extension.
The Electoral Commission reported the Conservative and Unionist party received the highest number of donations of the 16 parties to declare their earnings, taking £5,410,957 in the three-month period. Of that, £5,344,058 was given as donations and £67,000 as public funds.The Electoral Commission reported the Conservative and Unionist party received the highest number of donations of the 16 parties to declare their earnings, taking £5,410,957 in the three-month period. Of that, £5,344,058 was given as donations and £67,000 as public funds.
The second highest total was reported by Labour, with Jeremy Corbyn’s party receiving £5m, and £2.9m of public funds accepted as part of the overall sum.The second highest total was reported by Labour, with Jeremy Corbyn’s party receiving £5m, and £2.9m of public funds accepted as part of the overall sum.
The Liberal Democrats received £1.8m, with £1.2m given as donations and £600,000 as public funds. The party pulled off its best-ever local election result in May when it returned 1,359 councillors – half of them gains against rivals.The Liberal Democrats received £1.8m, with £1.2m given as donations and £600,000 as public funds. The party pulled off its best-ever local election result in May when it returned 1,359 councillors – half of them gains against rivals.
Nigel Farage’s fledgling Brexit party received more than £1m in the second quarter, helping it win 29 seats in the European parliament in May, more than any other party contesting the poll.Nigel Farage’s fledgling Brexit party received more than £1m in the second quarter, helping it win 29 seats in the European parliament in May, more than any other party contesting the poll.
The Scottish National party accepted £493,000 in donations, while the Green party, which has a single MP, accepted £174,000. The lowest recorded donation total was £6,000 for the Radical party.The Scottish National party accepted £493,000 in donations, while the Green party, which has a single MP, accepted £174,000. The lowest recorded donation total was £6,000 for the Radical party.
Political parties are required to submit quarterly donation and loan returns to the Electoral Commission. They must report donations accepted above the £7,500 threshold along with impermissible donations.Political parties are required to submit quarterly donation and loan returns to the Electoral Commission. They must report donations accepted above the £7,500 threshold along with impermissible donations.
Louise Edwards, the director of regulation at the commission, said: “Publishing data about party donations and loans on our online database means voters can clearly see where political parties receive their funds from. This leads to a more trusted and transparent political finance system and helps ensure compliance.Louise Edwards, the director of regulation at the commission, said: “Publishing data about party donations and loans on our online database means voters can clearly see where political parties receive their funds from. This leads to a more trusted and transparent political finance system and helps ensure compliance.
“Where parties fail to deliver their return on time, and there is no reasonable explanation for such a failure, we will take a robust approach in dealing with this in line with our enforcement policy.”“Where parties fail to deliver their return on time, and there is no reasonable explanation for such a failure, we will take a robust approach in dealing with this in line with our enforcement policy.”
Party fundingParty funding
LabourLabour
ConservativesConservatives
Liberal DemocratsLiberal Democrats
Scottish National party (SNP)Scottish National party (SNP)
Brexit partyBrexit party
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