Fact Service (April 2010)

Issue 15

Donations to political parties in 2009

The Conservative Party had built up a big election war chest by the end of last year, judging by figures from the watchdog, the Electoral Commission.

A total of £32.5 million was received by the Conservative Party at national and local level last year — over double the sum that Labour received in 2009.

Labour in turn received more than two and a half times the sum received by the Liberal Democrats.

Over £18 million of the £27 million received in donations by the Tories came from rich individuals.

Donations to political parties in 2009

Party Donations (£000) Donations (No) Total* (£000) Total* (No)
Conservatives 27,086 1,604 32,514 1,617
Labour 15,213 1,183 16,221 1,189
Liberal Democrats 3,887 1,020 6,213 1,035
UKIP 1,404 184 1,404 184
Co-operative Party 925 59 925 59

* Includes public funds for the three main parties

www.electoralcommission.org.uk/party-finance/party-finance-analysis/party-funding


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