Donations to political parties

Question 1

What is the traditional method of parties gaining funds?

Answer 1

Party membership.

Question 2

Before 1990s, what was the non-traditional method the 2 main parties gained funds?

Answer 2

Labour: got fees from trade unions, Conservatives: bankrolled by wealthy business interests.

Question 3

An example each of the 2 main parties receiving donations from wealthy individuals.

Answer 3

Bernie Ecclestone for Labour, Stuart Wheeler for Conservative.

Question 4

How did Bernie Ecclestone spark controversy in 1997?

Answer 4

Donated 1 million GBP to Labour, then their was a delay to the Tobacco advertising ban on Formula 1.

Question 5

What is the PPERA?

Answer 5

In 2000, it limited spending to 50,000 GBP per constittuency, donations over 5000 GBP must be declared.

Question 6

What is the PPEA?

Answer 6

In 2009, build on the previous to restrict donations from non-UK residents and allow investigations.

Question 7

Arguments about state of party donations.

Answer 7

not worked, parties encourage supporters to donate (1997-2010, ‘loans for peerages’ scandal with Labour) has worked donations more transparent so held accountable.

Question 8

How much did the Conservative receive in donations in 2016?

Answer 8

6.75 Million GBP

Question 9

How much did Labour receive in donations in 2016?

Answer 9

5.5 Million GBP

Question 10

How much did Lib Dems receive in donations in 2016?

Answer 10

770,000 GBP

Question 11

What is Cranborne money?

Answer 11

Funds to opposition in HOL (2014-15 572,000 GBP)

Question 12

What is Short money?

Answer 12

Funds to oppostion in HOC for parties with 2 seats or more or 1 seat and 150,000 votes nationwide, 6.6 Million GBP with 770,000 GBP to Leader.

Question 13

Conclusion about ‘big money’ donations

Answer 13

All agree is bad, Conservatives agree to individuals restrictions on donations if Labour agree to Trade union restrictions on donations.