How is British politics funded, and by whom? How can the financial landscape of party politics change to enhance democratic accountability?
Questions over the motivation and effect of financial contributions to political parties and candidates have been a constant source of contention in the politics of democratic countries. However, difficulties accessing reliable data have often constrained research about political finance. In the UK the Electoral Commission has been recording all political donations since its foundation, with detailed information on the date, amount and type of contribution, and names of donors. This panel will discuss preliminary findings of a British Academy/Leverhulme funded study of these donations, and seek to draw broad conclusions about how British politics is funded and what we still need to know.
Meet our speakers and chair
Kate Alexander Shaw (@KAlexanderShaw) is Research Officer in the European Institute at LSE. She specialises in British and comparative political economy, with a particular interest in the politics of economic ideas.
Alberto Parmigiani (@AlbiParmigiani) is a PhD candidate in the Department of Government at LSE. His research analyses the interplay between economic inequality and political influence in Western democracies.
Stuart Wilks-Heeg (@StuartWilksHeeg) is Professor of Politics at the University of Liverpool. He frequently provides UK political commentary and analysis for newspapers and broadcasters regionally, nationally and internationally.
Jonathan Hopkin (@jrhopkin) is Professor of Comparative Politics in the Department of Government at LSE. His research focuses on parties and elections in Western Europe with particular attention to corruption, political finance, and territorial politics.
More about this event
This event forms part of LSE’s Understanding the UK Economy series, showcasing research and expertise on the state of the UK economy, its global context and its future.
The Department of Government (@LSEGovernment) at LSE is home to some of the most internationally respected experts in politics and government; producing influential research that has a global impact on policy, and delivering world-class teaching to our students.
Twitter Hashtag for this event: #LSEUKEconomy
Featured image (used in source code with watermark added): Photo by Marcin Nowak on Unsplash
Podcast & Video
A podcast of this event is available to download from Money and Politics: analysing donations to UK political parties, 2000-2021.
A video of this event is available to watch at Money and Politics: analysing donations to UK political parties, 2000-2021.
Podcasts and videos of many LSE events can be found at the LSE Public Lectures and Events: podcasts and videos channel.