§ Simon HughesTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make a statement on the procedure for declaration of donations by independent candidates in elections. [153657]
§ Mr. LeslieThe Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000 established a new system for governing the regular disclosure of donations to registered political parties, a system which did not extend to independent candidates as—by definition—they have no organised party base behind them. Nevertheless, all individuals are required separately by the Representation of the People Act 1983 to record election expenses and campaign income received from the moment they officially become election candidates, whether party nominees or independents. Donations of more than 50 have to be reported in these election expenses returns to Returning Officers.