Political gifts show post-election slump

Nine political parties reported receiving just over £7.2 million in donations in the third quarter of 2010, according to new figures published by the Electoral Commission, the party funding watchdog.

In total, £7,226,606 was received by the nine parties. That sum was 72% down on the second quarter figure of £26,265,964 when the election donations were rolling into the coffers of the main parties.

The four political parties to accept the most in donations in the third quarter were: Conservative Party — £3,695,947; Labour Party — £2,317,723; Liberal Democrats — £350,645; and UK Independence Party (UKIP) — £454,234.

The commission's figures also show that the far right British National Party received a £65,000 bequest from one Edward Alderson.

In addition, five parties also received a total of £720,102 in public funds.

A more detailed analysis of money given to the three main party’s headquarters will be in next week’s issue of Fact Service.

www.electoralcommission.org.uk/news-and-media/news-releases/electoral-commission-media-centre/news-releases-donations/political-parties-latest-donations-and-borrowing-for-third-quarter-2010-published