Political parties accept over 拢250,000 in furlough cash

Image source, PA Media

Political parties in the UK reported accepting over 拢250,000 in furlough funds between 1 April and 30 June.

As part of the government's coronavirus response, employers were able to claim up to 80% of staff salaries.

Under the furlough scheme, the Lib Dems claimed 拢178,907, the Conservatives 拢70,164 and Labour 拢9,914.

The figures, published by the Electoral Commission, show that altogether political parties reported accepting 拢9.1m in donations and public funds.

The amount is a significant drop from the same period last year when donations reached 拢16m.

The Conservatives topped the list for donations (excluding public funds such as furlough money), reporting 拢2.3m.

'Protecting jobs'

Labour were the second highest on 拢1.8m, followed by the Liberal Democrats who reported 拢718,217.

Most of the furlough money was claimed by local branches of the parties rather than the central office.

The SNP reported 拢92,732 in donations and 拢458,346 in public funds. The party says it has not taken any furlough money.

In addition to furlough funds, public funds can also refer to cash given to opposition parties by the UK and Scottish Parliaments to pay for researchers and staff.

In total Labour accepted 拢2.2m in public funds, the Liberal Democrats 拢537,114 and the Conservatives 拢236,102.

Louise Edwards, director of regulation at the Electoral Commission said: "Publishing this data allows voters to see clearly how parties in the United Kingdom are being funded, enhancing public confidence and trust in our democratic processes.

"We welcome the fact that many parties have delivered their donation reports to us on time despite the challenging circumstances caused by Covid-19. Where parties have been unable to meet deadlines for reasons relating to the pandemic, we will continue to work with them to ensure their income remains transparent."

A Conservative spokesman said Conservative Party Campaign Headquarters had not furloughed any member of its staff.

"Local political associations are, however, no different from other voluntary sector organisations in facing challenging times. The purpose of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is to encourage organisations to keep on furloughed workers and prevent local job losses," a spokesperson said.

"This funding from the Coronavirus job retention scheme has been openly published, and all payments are in line with the prevailing guidance from HMRC and the Electoral Commission."

A Liberal Democrat spokesperson said: "The decision to use the furlough scheme was, like many organisations across the UK, built around keeping people safe and protecting people's jobs."

It is understood that the national Labour Party has not furloughed staff on the job retention scheme.