Key facts
- Reform UK would have raised only £4.1m of its £26.7m in donations last year under a proposed £100,000 annual cap.
- The analysis by Friends of the Earth used Electoral Commission data from April 2025 to March 2026.
- Labour would have retained approximately 75% of its donations, the Conservatives 50%, and the Liberal Democrats 90%.
- Two specific donors, Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo, accounted for 71% of Reform UK's registered donation income.
- The proposed cap is set to be debated in parliament via an amendment to the representation of the people bill.
Analysis suggests that if a £100,000 cap on political donations had been in place, Reform UK would have retained only 15% of the funds it received last year. The study, conducted by Friends of the Earth using Electoral Commission data, indicates Reform UK would have raised just £4.1m instead of the £26.7m actually received between April 2025 and March 2026.
The findings highlight Reform UK's significant reliance on a small number of wealthy donors, with an average donation of £137,496, considerably higher than other major parties. Labour would have kept about three-quarters of its donations, the Conservatives just over half, and the Liberal Democrats around 90% under such a cap.
The analysis comes ahead of a parliamentary vote on an amendment to the representation of the people bill, proposed by Labour MP Stella Creasy, which seeks to introduce a £100,000 cap on political donations. The debate is part of a broader discussion about the influence of wealthy individuals in British politics.
Reform UK received £20.4m from donors contributing at least £1m, compared to £3.1m for the Conservatives and £2.6m for Labour. The campaign group noted that Labour's donations are largely from trade union affiliation payments, funded by numerous individual members.
Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo, both billionaires, accounted for 71% of Reform UK's registered donation income. Harborne has previously stated he believes he could legally challenge any donation cap. A Reform UK spokesperson criticized the proposed cap, arguing it would restrict political participation and benefit established parties.
Some Labour MPs are reportedly being urged by party whips not to support the cap, following advice from the GMB union. Asad Rehman, chief executive of Friends of the Earth, stated that democracy should not be influenced by large financial contributions, particularly from industries with environmental impacts, and that a cap would create a more level playing field.