Burnham is about to make his first big mistake
We have just days to stop him missing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect our democracy from big money.
Andy Burnham has reportedly backed away from supporting a cap on political donations in the forthcoming Elections Bill.
This is potentially disastrous. The Government has a once in a lifetime chance to protect our democracy from being corrupted by big money
We only have to look at the United States where vast political donations have transformed the relationship between wealth, influence and political power with astonishing speed.
British democracy is similarly in danger.
Last year, Christopher Harborne gave £9 million to Reform in a single day. In 2023, two-thirds of all private political donations came from just 19 individuals who each gave more than £1 million.
A democracy cannot remain healthy when a tiny number of people can buy themselves such a powerful voice.
Burnham has a choice
Just months ago, Andy Burnham said:
“I do think there should be a cap on political donations.”
Now he appears to be backing away from that position.
We think that would be a serious mistake.
The Elections Bill gives him a rare opportunity to put principle into practice and begin putting meaningful limits on the power of big money in our politics.
Labour MP Stella Creasy's amendment on a donations cap is due to come before MPs next week.
Burnham can still change course.
He can support the amendment. He can encourage his MPs to support it. And he can show that protecting democracy matters more than political convenience.
We want to make sure he hears from you
We are preparing an open letter to Andy Burnham calling on him to stand by his commitment to a cap on political donations and support Stella Creasy's amendment.
Will you add your name?
By signing, you will be joining others who believe that democracy should belong to everyone, not be increasingly shaped by those wealthy enough to write enormous cheques.
ADD YOUR NAME TO THE LETTER
We will send the letter to Andy Burnham and his team ahead of the vote, and we will keep you updated on the campaign.
This is a moment when political leadership matters.
Burnham has the opportunity to stand up to big money.
Let's make sure he doesn't miss it.
Compassion in Politics