Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Party Spending Limits

Thursday 16 November 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Committee has not had recent discussions with the Electoral Commission on party spending limits for elections.
  • The UK Government's proposals to increase spending limits and donation reporting thresholds represent significant changes.
  • The Commission's research shows a decline in public confidence in political finance systems.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Democracy & Elections
Context

The Liberal Democrat MP inquired about the recent discussions between the Committee and Electoral Commission regarding spending limits for political parties during election campaigns.

Question

What recent discussions has the Committee had with the Electoral Commission on party spending limits for elections?

Answer from Cat Smith

The Committee has not had recent discussions with the Commission on the matters raised. The Electoral Commission supports political parties to comply with their legal obligations to adhere to spending limits during an election campaign, and publishes their spending.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Recent discussions between the Committee and the Electoral Commission

How: The Committee Has Not Had Recent Discussions

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Q2 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Democracy & Elections
Context

The Liberal Democrat MP expressed concern that public confidence in the integrity of democracy could be compromised by high-spending elections. He sought assurance from the hon. Member regarding the Electoral Commission's understanding of this issue.

Question

Public confidence in our democratic system is harmed if it appears to be for sale to those with deepest pockets. Can you assure me that the Electoral Commission understands that setting spending limits involves integrity and a level playing field?

Answer from Cat Smith

The UK Government's proposals to increase spending limits and donation reporting thresholds represent significant changes. The Commission's research shows a decline in public confidence in political finance systems. Any changes must be supported by rigorous analysis, including impact on transparency. No evidence supports the changes; concerns exist about damaging transparency.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assurance that setting spending limits involves integrity and level playing field

How: Any Changes Must Be Supported By Rigorous Analysis

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