FlyTheNest

Rose Zussman, a senior policy manager at Transparency International UK,
said: “This record-breaking donation shows how dependent our political parties have become on a super-rich few. When single donations reach these extraordinary levels, it reinforces the public’s belief that money talks loudest in the corridors of power.

“The government has promised to protect democracy by strengthening the rules on political finance. If ministers don’t want our democracy sold to the highest bidder they should introduce a cap on how much anyone can give annually.”

Susan Hawley, the executive director of Spotlight on Corruption, added: “These levels of donations should have no place in our politics, whichever party they go to.

“At a very minimum, the government must consider ways to prevent a donation and spending arms race which could lead to enormous sums being injcted into political parties, completely skewing the playing field at elections. There is nothing yet in their strategy to suggest they are taking this seriously.