This Commons Library Briefing paper introduces the main sources of funding for political parties and the rules applying to their use.
Political party funding: sources and regulations (363 KB , PDF)
Political parties fund their activities through public funding, donations, loans and membership fees. Funding regulations apply to political parties but also to candidates and certain other individuals and organisations, including Members of Parliament. There are also rules about the spending and funding of third parties that contribute to political campaigns.
Political party funding: sources and regulations (363 KB , PDF)
Government and local authority resources cannot be used for party political campaigning at any time. In the run up to an election, the pre-election period of sensitivity, particular care is taken. Government departments and councils will normally observe discretion about making new announcements or decisions that could influence voters.
Recall allows voters to remove an elected representative between elections by signing a petition. This briefing explains how UK recall petitions work.
The House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill removes the right of hereditary peers to sit in the House of Lords. The bill began committee stage in the House of Lords on 3 March 2025.
