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Political donations: Conservatives received most in final quarter of 2014 Political donations: Conservatives received most in final quarter of 2014
(35 minutes later)
The Conservatives received the most in donations in the final three months of 2014, according to new figures published by the Electoral Commission. The Conservatives received the most in donations in the final quarter of 2014, according to the Electoral Commission.
The party took home £8,345,687, compared to Labour's £7,163,988.The party took home £8,345,687, compared to Labour's £7,163,988.
Ed Miliband's party remained heavily-backed by trade unions, and was also supported by accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Donations to the Lib Dems totalled £3,038,500 - giving the party an annual record total - while UKIP reported £1,505,055 and the Greens £248,520.Donations to the Lib Dems totalled £3,038,500 - giving the party an annual record total - while UKIP reported £1,505,055 and the Greens £248,520.
It comes after a political row between the Conservatives and Labour over the tax affairs of party supporters. In total, eight British political parties received £20.3m in donations between October and December 2014, the figures show.
In total, eight British political parties received £20.3m in donations between October and December 2014.
This figure is more than £5m higher than the previous quarter - and up £10m on the same three months in 2013.This figure is more than £5m higher than the previous quarter - and up £10m on the same three months in 2013.
BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins said donations were higher than normal because of the upcoming general election.BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins said donations were higher than normal because of the upcoming general election.
"There are still plenty of people out there who want to give their hard-earned cash to the parties," he said."There are still plenty of people out there who want to give their hard-earned cash to the parties," he said.
In addition to these donations, six parties accepted £3,834,816 from public funds during the final quarter of the year.In addition to these donations, six parties accepted £3,834,816 from public funds during the final quarter of the year.
Unison, Unite and GMB unions were the top three biggest donors in the final quarter of 2014, giving more than £3.6m combined to the Labour Party.Unison, Unite and GMB unions were the top three biggest donors in the final quarter of 2014, giving more than £3.6m combined to the Labour Party.
Of the top 10 highest spending donors, there were no individuals giving money to Labour but the party did accept a donation of £386,605 from accountancy firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers. Of the top 10 highest spending donors, there were no individuals giving money to Labour but the party did accept £386,605 from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
A party source said PwC had provided junior staff to conduct research and analysis.
Senior Labour MP Margaret Hodge, who chairs the Public Accounts Committee, has criticised the shadow cabinet for accepting support from the firm, which her committee accused of "promoting tax avoidance on an industrial scale".Senior Labour MP Margaret Hodge, who chairs the Public Accounts Committee, has criticised the shadow cabinet for accepting support from the firm, which her committee accused of "promoting tax avoidance on an industrial scale".
PwC said at the time that it disagreed with the conclusions of the report.PwC said at the time that it disagreed with the conclusions of the report.
'Funding reform'
Meanwhile, the biggest donor to the Conservatives was Michael D Gooley, who gave the party £500,000.Meanwhile, the biggest donor to the Conservatives was Michael D Gooley, who gave the party £500,000.
The Lib Dems reported a £400,000 donation from Max Batley, while UKIP received £394,254 from Rock Services Limited.
Commenting on the new figures, Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps said Labour leader Ed Miliband was "utterly reliant" on the trade unions.
Deputy PM and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg urged all parties to agree a deal to "clean up party funding... once and for all".
He said a new agreement should be signed within six months of the next government being formed, saying it would be one "silver lining from the latest controversy on party funding".
There have been £65.6m of donations for political parties in 2014.There have been £65.6m of donations for political parties in 2014.
The Conservatives received the most money in donations last year - £28.9m, compared to £18.7m for Labour, £8.2m for the Lib Dems, £3.8m for UKIP and £3.7m for the SNP.The Conservatives received the most money in donations last year - £28.9m, compared to £18.7m for Labour, £8.2m for the Lib Dems, £3.8m for UKIP and £3.7m for the SNP.
Despite recent poor poll performances, the Lib Dems set a new party record, raising £1.5m more in 2014 than their previous annual record.Despite recent poor poll performances, the Lib Dems set a new party record, raising £1.5m more in 2014 than their previous annual record.