Why do people donate or give freebies to politicians?

[Blanketyre]

Why do they do it? Do they want to get something out of it, if so, what?

Free advertising, I presume a person into fashion would know a label when they see someone who appears on tv

Getting their name out there

I imagine some do it for political access, influence etc.

I imagine others do it because they feel it helps their political cause.

To influence policies. Or at least that's what I think. They aren't doing it 'to be kind'

Because they want something in return. There's no such thing as a free lunch!

I totally get why brands would want to donate free clothing to anyone in the public eye - mostly women to be fair as nobody seems as bothered about what a man is wearing. If a prominent woman is seen wearing X brand and looking good in it, sales will soar.

To get something in return, access, influence etc

Why one person pays for clothing of entire government though?

Out of goodness of his heart?

To get influence over the government and/or because they know that politician/political party will enact policies that with benefit them personally or which align with their beliefs.

The tobacco industry donates money to parties it believes will promote or enable smoking. The oil industry does the same.

They want to influence policy - or bank goodwill, so a politician is beholden down the line when a favour is needed.

Taking 'gifts' compromises a governments integrity and should be completely banned imo.

Lurve 😘🥰🤗

They tend to be very wealthy people (millions not thousands in annual income) and big supporters of the party. It's certainly to gain favour but I know from a personal connection it is also because whilst MPs earn decent salaries compared to me for instance, they don't earn hugely compared to the movers and shakers they associate with, so those people "treat them" to things someone on a £100k salary can't afford eg custom suits, holidays at a location where there's less press intrusion etc. Do I agree with it, not really but as all the other politicians do take such favours and were registered in the book I can't get too worked up.

The free tickets for events I'm not bothered about, it's just a perk like many jobs have, I've got free stuff via a previous job too.

Designers and brands often donate clothing to people who will make the front pages of newspapers.

The papers often report which designer they are wearing, or people ferret out where the dress was from and then it sells really well.

While o agree that the whole system is a bit odd, I don't think a declared gift gives any leverage to a donor. If someone is in the register of gifts for, say, loaning a flat to the then LOTO, then that person gets a co tract or some other advantage, it will immediately be called out as corruption. Declared gifts don't compromise anyone.

@cardibach I disagree because it's hard to refuse a favour to a person who has done you favours. It creates a feeling of being beholden.

Any one watched Schindler's list? The movie starts with him buying drinks for the SS. He is always throwing parties for them and makes them gifts of cigars etc. They think he's a great guy and let him open a factory and overlook the kind way he treats his jewish work force.

Its only later when he is trying to rescue people from auschwitz that he needs to bribe the SS with cash and diamonds. Before that charm and a few freebies go along way.

Whether its for good motivations like Schindler or bad people give gifts to politicians in the hope of gaining influence.

Control.

Imagine having control over the PM, and of the deputy, and mayors.

That's worth more than money .

@ABirdsEyeView beholden. Exactly.

It’s bribery and should be treated as such, in the case of politicians.

Designers lending clothes to celebrities is just advertising.

Corruption