Tories get double Labour's donations
Wednesday, 25 February 2009 12:00 AM
By politics.co.uk staff
The Conservatives received twice as much money in donations as Labour did in the last three months of 2008.
According to figures released by the Electoral Commission the Tories received more than £5 million in the last quarter, accounting for well over half the total donations received by all parties.
More than £8.9 million was donated to all parties from October to December, down from £13.5 million in the third quarter, reflecting the serious economic situation.
"It's important that the public can see how parties are funded and that, whatever their size, they comply with the rules on reporting," said Jenny Watson, chair of the Electoral Commission.
"We're pleased to see that there is a continuing trend of improving compliance with the rules on transparency."This is a sign that the parties recognise how important this is to the electorate."
The Conservatives received £5,138,850. Labour received £2,621,952 and the Liberal Democrats £960,898.
While the majority of Conservative donations came from individuals or commercial groups, more than three quarters of Labour donations came from trade unions.
In these difficult economic times we may see the Labour party moving further to the left to appease their union backers and avoid going bankrupt.
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