Calls for £10k cap on donations after downfall of ex-first minister

ERS Cymru warned: “Whilst there are limits on spending, there are currently no limits on donations.

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This creates a space for individual, corporate or other interests to have an outsized impact on the financial flows to parties and candidates.

“Both the total amount of political donations and the size of donations has been increasing”

‘The UK's committee on standards in public life recommended a donation limit of £10,000 in an effort to “end the big donor culture” in 2011.

In its evidence, ERS Cymru said: “Whether it's parties or candidates, reliance on a small number of wealthy donations can distort politics and open up the potential for corruption.

“A donations limit is not only better for preventing undue influence but protects political parties and representatives from risky fundraising behaviours.”

But Douglas Bain, the Senedd’s standards commissioner, who investigates complaints against politicians, opposed a cap on donations from any one individual or entity.