2 private donations of £36m each to one political party - is this the future of democracy in a world at the mercy of tech bros?

[IwantToRetire]

Not particularly interested in discussing Reform. As anyone who wants to do that could set up a thread just like there is one about the Greens.

Of course the money could just be frittered away, but do these donations create an imbalance in terms of other parties having a voice, not just now, but when there is the next General Election.

For info (and there may be others) short bios about each man who has donated. Although, if as stated, they don't expect to decide party policy, maybe their personal history doesn't matter.

https://news.sky.com/story/ben-delo-and-christopher-harborne-who-are-reform-uks-two-mega-donors-13584792

Edited to add: I would ask this question if such donations had been made to any other Party, whether Labour, Tory, Greens etc..

I think there would be quite a push back from within the Party.

But then I am not under any illusion that any of the Parties are moral.

And the point is not which party, but the principle or single large donations from one source.

Or even should there be a limit.

Unless of course a Party was prepared to say thanks for the money when we get into office we will build more houses or something.

What is wrong with our political system that running a Party costs this amount of money.

What is the point of being super rich if not to buy power?

Haha, Rayner talking about changing the rules on donations <and making them retrospective>.
They really are shameless.

Well Farage is always saying they're out to get him, it's not paranoia if they are.
By hook and by crook they're going to stop the revolution. 😂

This is not news. The plan has always been for the changes to be retrospective. The date of 25 March 2026 is hard coded into the legislation currently having a second reading in the House of Lords.

Revolution???? 🤣

I love this idea that Farage and his cronies are going to sweep into power and work tirelessly for “the people”. They’re shameless fucking grifters who are out to line their own pockets. They’ll be no “revolution” 🙄.

2m from Lord Sainsbury in recent years to Labour? There are only irrational debates to be had when it comes to Reform. It's like a rabid feeding frenzy I have never seen with any other party. I agree, rules applied and scrutinised equally or not at all.

You mean like they will be when this legislation is passed.

You mean if it's passed.

Those objecting to the 72m donation, are just because it’s not to Labour - otherwise you would not hear a peep.

If we are being honest.

Of course. It is nothing but envy and the usual left not being able to recognise democracy.

If we’re being honest it’s about the wealthiest people in the world not being able to help buy votes and thwart democracy. It would be wrong whichever party was the recipient of the money.

When.

The ‘fears’ for our democracy are fake.

Otherwise you would have criticised Starmer’s plans for the May local elections, or Labour’s continued attacks on free speech.

A democracy is not à la carte, sorry.

2 million pounds must be chicken feed nowadays then. Who would have thought it.

They make it up as they go along. Like I said, Reform brings out the feeding frenzy.

There’s not even a pretence at being straight.

They don’t like a playing field being levelled - or they dont like it up em, as Kemi said, more eloquently.

No they’re not. Despite all the protestations the richest people on the planet don’t give millions away without expecting something in return. You know this or you wouldn’t be constantly carping about Labour governments and union funding.

And the unions don’t want influence? Is that what you are asserting? Be clear, please.

I love the smell of exploding Lefties in the morning. 😂

Buying votes??

How is it buying votes?

If donating to a campaign is buying votes ALL donations must be stopped.

It is donating to help canvass and raise awareness to the party.

Unless that £72m is being split into £50 notes and being passed under the table at the ballot box that is a ridiculous statement.

I wasn't going to read anymore of their hyperbole but that is some level of being triggered.

I have no idea if Burnham/Rayner are trying to make Farage a political martyr, but they're making a great fist of it.
The amount of persecution complex that Farage will be able to use as emotional leverage at the next GE is off the scale.
What about all the Reform voters in unions who have no say on the part of their subs that go to Labour?
And for consistency sake, if Dale Vince wanted to contribute £72m to Labour or The Greens, I'd say that was fine.

An excellent post.

This moment is fraught with risk for Labour.

The PP has a habit of disappearing when cornered.