Record political donations
Political donations in the first quarter of 2005 were the highest ever recorded by the Electoral Commission.
In the period covering the run up to the election – 1 January to 31 March – donations totalled over £21 million.
Labour topped the list with over £9 million, followed by the Conservatives with over £8 million, the Lib Dems with £4 million and UKIP with £275,000.
There was a surprise in fifth place though with the little-known New Party receiving £95,000 – nearly double that of the SNP on £50,000.
The British National Party received just over £15,000, with Plaid Cymru on £6,000 and the Green Party on £8,000 – outdone by their Scottish counterparts who gained just under £15,000.
