Spotlight

Top Political Donors in the UK: Who’s Funding Parliament?

Explore comprehensive data on UK Members of Parliament and their financial relationships with influential organisations including media companies, political lobby groups, and major donors.

The Milton Project sheds light on how money flows through politics, revealing patterns of donations, payments for appearances, and lobbying efforts that impact government decisions. Stay informed with transparent, data-driven insights that uncover potential conflicts of interest and the networks shaping UK politics.

Conservative Friends of Israel (CFI) is a political lobby group that promotes strong ties between the UK Conservative Party and the State of Israel. Known for hosting events, overseas trips, and donor-funded delegations, CFI plays a prominent role in parliamentary engagement. The group is influential within the party and has supported MPs through hospitality, travel, and networking opportunities—often raising questions about foreign policy alignment and transparency in political donations.

Total Gifts and Donations to house of commons members:
£9,050
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GB News is a UK-based television and media outlet that has featured prominently in the financial registers of several MPs. Payments often appear as presenter salaries, guest appearance fees, or interview-related compensation. In some cases, MPs have declared substantial income for regular contributions or hosting roles. The platform’s political alignment and frequent engagement with politicians raise broader questions around media influence, impartiality, and recurring financial relationships with sitting members of Parliament.

Total Gifts and Donations to house of commons members:
£181,000.00
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Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) is a parliamentary lobby group that aims to strengthen the relationship between the Labour Party and the State of Israel. LFI regularly engages MPs through funded overseas trips, events, and policy discussions. While often framed as educational, these interactions are frequently donor-supported and appear in the Register of Interests. The group’s activities highlight how lobbying networks operate across party lines, particularly around foreign policy and influence.

Total Gifts and Donations to house of commons members:
£00.00
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LBC radio logo with bold letters in red, blue, and black colors

LBC (Leading Britain’s Conversation) is a UK-based talk radio station known for its political interviews and commentary. MPs often appear as guests or hosts, with some declaring payments for regular contributions or interviews. These entries, listed in the Register of Interests, reflect LBC’s role not just as a media outlet but as a recurring income source for politicians. The relationship raises questions around media exposure, narrative control, and how broadcasters engage with serving MPs financially.

Total Gifts and Donations to house of commons members:
£3,360
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Channel 4 is a publicly owned UK broadcaster that occasionally appears in MPs’ registers of interests. Payments are typically linked to documentary appearances, interviews, or participation in political programming. While generally framed as media engagement, these interactions sometimes involve notable fees. The broadcaster’s involvement underscores how traditional media contributes to the political economy—not just shaping public opinion, but also financially engaging elected officials.

Total Gifts and Donations to house of commons members:
£1,500
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BBC logo with black background and white letters

The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), as the UK's public service broadcaster, regularly features MPs across news, radio, and panel shows. While many appearances are unpaid, some MPs declare fees for interviews, commentary, or documentary involvement. These entries, though often modest in value, highlight the BBC’s dual role—as a platform for political communication and, at times, a financial contributor. Tracking these transactions offers insight into the intersections of public broadcasting and political visibility.

Total Gifts and Donations to house of commons members:
£771.80
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ITV logo with colorful letters in teal, black, pink, olive, and yellow

ITV (Independent Television) is one of the UK’s largest commercial broadcasters and frequently features MPs in political programming, interviews, and commentary. MPs have declared payments from ITV for appearances ranging from current affairs shows to documentaries and entertainment formats. These entries illustrate how mainstream media platforms not only amplify political voices but also provide financial opportunities—blurring lines between public service and personal gain.

Total Gifts and Donations to house of commons members:
£00.00
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