Burnham proposed £500k political donation cap, later suggested reducing it

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been accused of a U-turn on political donations after correspondence revealed he supported a £500,000 cap on individual contributions. Burnham initially outlined his support for the limit in a message to a campaigner, stating it would "guard against the perception of any one party being unduly influenced or swayed by one person or organisation."

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I do think there should be a cap on political donations. This would guard against the perception of any one party being unduly influenced or swayed by one person or organisation.

Further correspondence seen by The Guardian shows Burnham believed the cap should be "reduced over time." This proposal is now being put forward by Labour MP Stella Creasy, who is seeking to introduce a donations cap in the upcoming elections bill.

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As to the level, I think that would have to be subject to wider review of political funding but my gut feeling would suggest somewhere in the region of £500k.

Campaigners are now accusing Burnham of abandoning his commitments, with one writing, "It appears you are going to break your promise to me – and the nation…. Weeks after being elected, you have made your first major U-turn."

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I would definitely want to see that reduced over time. I am in complete agreement that there needs to be wholesale culture change in Westminster.

The issue is set to be debated in parliament next week as part of the elections bill. While the bill will lower the voting age and cap donations by overseas Britons, it currently does not address domestic donations.

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It appears you are going to break your promise to me – and the nation …. Weeks after being elected, you have made your first major U-turn.