Party Funding

• Cranbourne Money

  Goes to opposition in the Lords

  £650k to Labour
• Short Money

  Given to opposition in the Commons

  Labour £6.5 million - £850k given to the Leader of the Opposition
• Misconduct Question

  Large party donations by individuals or groups allows privileged access to ministers, meaning they can influence policy / gain contracts

  Bernie Ecclestone donated £1 million to Labour in 1997 after meeting to discuss the exemption of motor racing from the ban of tobacco advertising

  Michael Ashcroft donated £1 million to the Conservative - a large proportion of his money was earned and banked abroad
• Fairness Question

  Some parties have more to spend so they are likely to be successful

  Advantage based on money seems unfair
• Over spending Question

  Many feel the amount spent of campaigning is unacceptable which could alienate them from the political process

  Creates the impression that money talks
• Civic Engagement Question

  Strong healthy political parties can encourage people to vote in the change they believe in - campaigning makes people more aware of party standing which would encourage them to vote
• Party Effectiveness Question

  Parties perform principal functions - the oppposition act as a check on the government and help develop new ways of thinking about policy and problem solving
• Freedom Question

  How much should parties be forced to announce spending? If more businesses are donating, they may be trying to infulence policy

  Neill Committee 1998 - freedom prevails except when public interest overrides - it is impossible to maintain all existing freedoms and to ensure public concern over party funding was dissipated