Duncan Hames
@duncanhames.bsky.social
Director of Policy @TransparencyUK.bsky.social, governor at Westminster Foundation for Democracy, JRRT director, and former MP (2010-15). Husband to @joswinson.bsky.social, Dad to 3 boys, and recent King’s war studies MA. All views here are my own etc.
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Duncan Hames
@duncanhames.bsky.social
· Nov 21
Today, a Biritsh former MEP will be sentenced, having admitted eight counts of bribery, in a case investigated by the Met Police's Counter Terrorism Command.
Russian attempts to bribe our politicians are sadly no fiction.
Follow for the latest reaction today: www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Russian attempts to bribe our politicians are sadly no fiction.
Follow for the latest reaction today: www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Nathan Gill sentenced for taking pro-Russian bribes
Former leader of Reform UK and UKIP in Wales, Nathan Gill, pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery after he received payment in return for making statements in favour of pro-Russian media outlets in...
www.walesonline.co.uk
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb has sentenced Nathan Gill to 10 years six months imprisonment, for 8 counts of bribery.
He will serve more than 5 years in prison before being eligible for parole. Her remarks made clear how very seriously she considered his offending.
He will serve more than 5 years in prison before being eligible for parole. Her remarks made clear how very seriously she considered his offending.
Reposted by Duncan Hames
🎦 MONEY TALKS 🎦
Yesterday, the Government introduced a bill aiming to stop foreign money influencing British elections.
The problem, though, isn't where the super-rich are from, but that money - from here and abroad - can buy access to power and influence.
More from @duncanhames.bsky.social ⤵️
Yesterday, the Government introduced a bill aiming to stop foreign money influencing British elections.
The problem, though, isn't where the super-rich are from, but that money - from here and abroad - can buy access to power and influence.
More from @duncanhames.bsky.social ⤵️
February 13, 2026 at 1:45 PM
🎦 MONEY TALKS 🎦
Yesterday, the Government introduced a bill aiming to stop foreign money influencing British elections.
The problem, though, isn't where the super-rich are from, but that money - from here and abroad - can buy access to power and influence.
More from @duncanhames.bsky.social ⤵️
Yesterday, the Government introduced a bill aiming to stop foreign money influencing British elections.
The problem, though, isn't where the super-rich are from, but that money - from here and abroad - can buy access to power and influence.
More from @duncanhames.bsky.social ⤵️
Reposted by Duncan Hames
🔴 Exclusive: Corporate donations British parties tripled over last three elections
But here's key thing: almost none is from FTSE500/listed companies
It's almost all companies controlled by super-wealthy individuals, or small, opaque firms
New on D4S: democracyforsale.substack.com/p/revealed-c...
But here's key thing: almost none is from FTSE500/listed companies
It's almost all companies controlled by super-wealthy individuals, or small, opaque firms
New on D4S: democracyforsale.substack.com/p/revealed-c...
Revealed: Corporate donations to British politics have tripled
Influential Labour committee chairs call on government to clean up politics as our new analysis finds record £42 million in company donations ahead of last election
democracyforsale.substack.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:47 AM
🔴 Exclusive: Corporate donations British parties tripled over last three elections
But here's key thing: almost none is from FTSE500/listed companies
It's almost all companies controlled by super-wealthy individuals, or small, opaque firms
New on D4S: democracyforsale.substack.com/p/revealed-c...
But here's key thing: almost none is from FTSE500/listed companies
It's almost all companies controlled by super-wealthy individuals, or small, opaque firms
New on D4S: democracyforsale.substack.com/p/revealed-c...
They haven’t heard you yet.
Please add your voice you this call:
Please add your voice you this call:
The Elections Bill is really very thin on political finance.
Some loopholes closed, some warm words, but still unlimited political donations.
That's why we're working with @38degrees.bsky.social to call for a cap on donations
Please sign and share: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ta...
Some loopholes closed, some warm words, but still unlimited political donations.
That's why we're working with @38degrees.bsky.social to call for a cap on donations
Please sign and share: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ta...
Take Big Money Out of Our Politics
British politics is awash with money from super rich donors. In 2023, two-thirds of all private donations came from just 19 people. These so-called ‘mega donors’ enjoy privileged access to political p...
you.38degrees.org.uk
February 12, 2026 at 9:22 PM
They haven’t heard you yet.
Please add your voice you this call:
Please add your voice you this call:
While we go about stoppping foreign billionnaires buying-up politics, how about we stop anyone from doing it?
🗣️"The problem isn’t just about where the money comes from, but how much can be given and what may be expected in return.”
Rose Zussman spoke with Max Kendix at The Times on how the Government's new proposed laws won't stop a small group of mega-rich UK donors influencing our politics.
More ⤵️
Rose Zussman spoke with Max Kendix at The Times on how the Government's new proposed laws won't stop a small group of mega-rich UK donors influencing our politics.
More ⤵️
Labour to ban foreign party donors unless they make money in UK
Elections bill proposes tight cap on overseas donations as well as lowering voting age to 16 and other electoral changes
www.thetimes.com
February 12, 2026 at 12:55 PM
While we go about stoppping foreign billionnaires buying-up politics, how about we stop anyone from doing it?
New law also aims to stop foreign billionaires buying up politics…
Bill to lower voting age to 16 to be introduced in Parliament
The government wants 16 and 17-year-olds to be able to vote at the next general election.
www.bbc.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:58 PM
New law also aims to stop foreign billionaires buying up politics…
Quite astonishing that a businessman as successful as he, can publicly wade into a policy debate with such a poor grasp of the facts. The inflammatory rhetoric is just as ill-judged.
'The UK has been colonised by immigrants', says INEOS boss and Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
'The UK has been colonised by immigrants', says INEOS boss and Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Britain has been "colonised" by immigrants, who are draining resources from the state, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of the country's richest and most influential men, has told Sky News.
news.sky.com
February 11, 2026 at 6:18 PM
Quite astonishing that a businessman as successful as he, can publicly wade into a policy debate with such a poor grasp of the facts. The inflammatory rhetoric is just as ill-judged.
Reposted by Duncan Hames
Of all the many disappointments of the Starmer government, its failure to urgently overhaul the funding regulations of our political system is the one that upsets me most.
If we lose the integrity of our political system, that's it, we're done.
If we lose the integrity of our political system, that's it, we're done.
February 10, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Of all the many disappointments of the Starmer government, its failure to urgently overhaul the funding regulations of our political system is the one that upsets me most.
If we lose the integrity of our political system, that's it, we're done.
If we lose the integrity of our political system, that's it, we're done.
"TI’s report show £48.2m from donors alleged or proven to have bought access and/or honours. The draft new bill (so far) only tinkers, tightening up on foreign donations... Crucially, there is no cap on donations." explains @pollytoynbee.bsky.social today.
"Don’t let this scandal go to waste."
"Don’t let this scandal go to waste."
Public faith in politics is now in the gutter. Here’s how Labour should drag it out | Polly Toynbee
With Britain sliding down the index of transparency and voters angry, the looming election bill fails to confront the real issues, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:45 PM
"TI’s report show £48.2m from donors alleged or proven to have bought access and/or honours. The draft new bill (so far) only tinkers, tightening up on foreign donations... Crucially, there is no cap on donations." explains @pollytoynbee.bsky.social today.
"Don’t let this scandal go to waste."
"Don’t let this scandal go to waste."
When people say things have been on the slide for a while, this visualisaiton from @taxjusticeuk.bsky.social really shows why:
That continues a worrying trend for the UK over the last decade.
@anticorruption.bsky.social cited record political donations from super‑rich backers, cash‑for‑access politics, aggressive lobbying & shrinking space for protest, journalism & people-powered campaigns the UK's downgrade... 2/3
@anticorruption.bsky.social cited record political donations from super‑rich backers, cash‑for‑access politics, aggressive lobbying & shrinking space for protest, journalism & people-powered campaigns the UK's downgrade... 2/3
February 10, 2026 at 1:26 PM
When people say things have been on the slide for a while, this visualisaiton from @taxjusticeuk.bsky.social really shows why:
Indeed. A party invite for public officials, to be held in Mayfair no less, by a company that has recently been awarded a £240m public contract.
The competition would be livid - had there been any.
The competition would be livid - had there been any.
Not a good look as the govt resets itself. Palantir hosts party for MOD and others to celebrate its new defence contract promoted by Mandelson’s PR company. www.thetimes.com/article/2ecb...
https://thetimes.com/article/2ecb6a…
February 10, 2026 at 10:19 AM
Indeed. A party invite for public officials, to be held in Mayfair no less, by a company that has recently been awarded a £240m public contract.
The competition would be livid - had there been any.
The competition would be livid - had there been any.
Reposted by Duncan Hames
“The UK government must demonstrate that it is serious about restoring integrity… remove big money from politics, delivering genuinely open government, and ending the cronyism that undermines public trust in our institutions.” Says @danieljbruce.bsky.social of @transparencyuk.bsky.social
UK and US sink to new lows in global index of corruption
Countries’ drop in scores in annual table comes amid ‘worrying trend’ of backsliding in established democracies
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:26 AM
“The UK government must demonstrate that it is serious about restoring integrity… remove big money from politics, delivering genuinely open government, and ending the cronyism that undermines public trust in our institutions.” Says @danieljbruce.bsky.social of @transparencyuk.bsky.social
Reposted by Duncan Hames
🗣️"This persistent decline is not a temporary blip - it risks becoming a defining feature of our political culture"
As the UK receives it's lowest ever score in #CPI2025
@danieljbruce.bsky.social warns that business as usual is not enough to turn the corner.
➡️ transparency.org/en/cpi/2025
As the UK receives it's lowest ever score in #CPI2025
@danieljbruce.bsky.social warns that business as usual is not enough to turn the corner.
➡️ transparency.org/en/cpi/2025
February 10, 2026 at 7:24 AM
🗣️"This persistent decline is not a temporary blip - it risks becoming a defining feature of our political culture"
As the UK receives it's lowest ever score in #CPI2025
@danieljbruce.bsky.social warns that business as usual is not enough to turn the corner.
➡️ transparency.org/en/cpi/2025
As the UK receives it's lowest ever score in #CPI2025
@danieljbruce.bsky.social warns that business as usual is not enough to turn the corner.
➡️ transparency.org/en/cpi/2025
“The UK government must demonstrate that it is serious about restoring integrity… remove big money from politics, delivering genuinely open government, and ending the cronyism that undermines public trust in our institutions.” Says @danieljbruce.bsky.social of @transparencyuk.bsky.social
UK and US sink to new lows in global index of corruption
Countries’ drop in scores in annual table comes amid ‘worrying trend’ of backsliding in established democracies
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:26 AM
“The UK government must demonstrate that it is serious about restoring integrity… remove big money from politics, delivering genuinely open government, and ending the cronyism that undermines public trust in our institutions.” Says @danieljbruce.bsky.social of @transparencyuk.bsky.social
The annual Corruption Perceptions Index is now out. Far from turning things around the UK score has fallen further.
www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2025
www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2025
Corruption Perceptions Index 2025
The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 ranks 182 countries by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. Find out the scores and read our analysis.
www.transparency.org
February 10, 2026 at 6:19 AM
The annual Corruption Perceptions Index is now out. Far from turning things around the UK score has fallen further.
www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2025
www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2025
Reposted by Duncan Hames
Out tomorrow: We scored 182 countries on their perceived level of corruption in the public sector. How will your country measure up? #CPI2025
February 9, 2026 at 8:22 AM
Out tomorrow: We scored 182 countries on their perceived level of corruption in the public sector. How will your country measure up? #CPI2025
Reposted by Duncan Hames
A dark day for accountability.
Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer Congress’ questions about the men she helped traffic and abuse. And now her lawyers hint she’ll talk only if Donald Trump grants clemency.
Justice isn’t a transaction. Release the remaining Epstein files. No more secrets.
Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer Congress’ questions about the men she helped traffic and abuse. And now her lawyers hint she’ll talk only if Donald Trump grants clemency.
Justice isn’t a transaction. Release the remaining Epstein files. No more secrets.
Ghislaine Maxwell pleads fifth: Read lawyer's statement to House Oversight
Ghislaine Maxwell pleaded the Fifth before the House Oversight Committee, with her attorney pointing to a pending habeas petition and trial concerns.
www.newsweek.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:58 PM
A dark day for accountability.
Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer Congress’ questions about the men she helped traffic and abuse. And now her lawyers hint she’ll talk only if Donald Trump grants clemency.
Justice isn’t a transaction. Release the remaining Epstein files. No more secrets.
Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer Congress’ questions about the men she helped traffic and abuse. And now her lawyers hint she’ll talk only if Donald Trump grants clemency.
Justice isn’t a transaction. Release the remaining Epstein files. No more secrets.
Reposted by Duncan Hames
🗣️ "The proposals for the Elections Bill are missing the gigantic elephant in the room, the scale of money in UK politics that’s corroding our democracy".
Steve Goodrich spoke w/ Alice at the International Bar Association on how HMG's plans for the Elections Bill don't meet the moment.
More ⤵️
Steve Goodrich spoke w/ Alice at the International Bar Association on how HMG's plans for the Elections Bill don't meet the moment.
More ⤵️
Protecting democracy
The UK government has proposed legislation to close loopholes in political finance rules and prevent the influx of dirty money and undue foreign influence.
www.ibanet.org
February 9, 2026 at 2:40 PM
🗣️ "The proposals for the Elections Bill are missing the gigantic elephant in the room, the scale of money in UK politics that’s corroding our democracy".
Steve Goodrich spoke w/ Alice at the International Bar Association on how HMG's plans for the Elections Bill don't meet the moment.
More ⤵️
Steve Goodrich spoke w/ Alice at the International Bar Association on how HMG's plans for the Elections Bill don't meet the moment.
More ⤵️
Labour promised an Ethics and Integirty Commission - first championed by Angela Rayner - but so far in government they've barely changed the nameplate on the door. Now would be a good time to commit to more substantive reform:
Starmer’s promised ethics commission may repackage existing regulators
Government sources say ‘umbrella’ structure now more likely after plans for independent body found to be too complex
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:34 PM
Labour promised an Ethics and Integirty Commission - first championed by Angela Rayner - but so far in government they've barely changed the nameplate on the door. Now would be a good time to commit to more substantive reform:
Apparently the PM will make a statement about standards and vetting this afternoon.
Perhaps appoint diplomats as ambassadors in future, and not commercial lobbyists swinging through the revolving door to and from their list of private clients.
Perhaps appoint diplomats as ambassadors in future, and not commercial lobbyists swinging through the revolving door to and from their list of private clients.
February 9, 2026 at 11:09 AM
Apparently the PM will make a statement about standards and vetting this afternoon.
Perhaps appoint diplomats as ambassadors in future, and not commercial lobbyists swinging through the revolving door to and from their list of private clients.
Perhaps appoint diplomats as ambassadors in future, and not commercial lobbyists swinging through the revolving door to and from their list of private clients.
Catch @danieljbruce.bsky.social of @transparencyuk.bsky.social here on Channel 4 News last night, outlining the areas where Starmer should deliver substantive reforms to politics after the scandal surrounding Peter Mandelson: www.channel4.com/news/starmer...
Starmer in ‘serious’ situation amid Mandelson scandal, says Gordon Brown
Former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said that Sir Keir Starmer is in a 'serious' situation due to the fallout from his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.
www.channel4.com
February 8, 2026 at 9:57 AM
Catch @danieljbruce.bsky.social of @transparencyuk.bsky.social here on Channel 4 News last night, outlining the areas where Starmer should deliver substantive reforms to politics after the scandal surrounding Peter Mandelson: www.channel4.com/news/starmer...
Reposted by Duncan Hames
💥"Nothing less than a century-defining rebalancing of power and accountability is equal to this moment and the trauma of the victims."
A significant intervention from former PM Gordon Brown on why the Epstein-Mandelson revelations demand a fundamental cleaning up of UK politics.
More ⤵️
A significant intervention from former PM Gordon Brown on why the Epstein-Mandelson revelations demand a fundamental cleaning up of UK politics.
More ⤵️
We owe it to Epstein’s victims and to British democracy to demand historic change | Gordon Brown
The abuse of women by figures such as Epstein, and of political power by the likes of Mandelson, must be confronted. As far as I am able, I will play my part, says former UK prime minister Gordon Brow...
www.theguardian.com
February 7, 2026 at 11:27 AM
💥"Nothing less than a century-defining rebalancing of power and accountability is equal to this moment and the trauma of the victims."
A significant intervention from former PM Gordon Brown on why the Epstein-Mandelson revelations demand a fundamental cleaning up of UK politics.
More ⤵️
A significant intervention from former PM Gordon Brown on why the Epstein-Mandelson revelations demand a fundamental cleaning up of UK politics.
More ⤵️
“Nothing less than a century-defining rebalancing of power and accountability is equal to this moment and the trauma of the victims.” - Gordon Brown is on a mission:
We owe it to Epstein’s victims and to British democracy to demand historic change | Gordon Brown
The abuse of women by figures such as Epstein, and of political power by the likes of Mandelson, must be confronted. As far as I am able, I will play my part, says former UK prime minister Gordon Brow...
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:14 PM
“Nothing less than a century-defining rebalancing of power and accountability is equal to this moment and the trauma of the victims.” - Gordon Brown is on a mission:
Reposted by Duncan Hames
'We must deal with a corrupt system, not just a person who abused it' @duncanhames.bsky.social, @transparencyuk.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
#UKPolitics #AntiCorruption
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
#UKPolitics #AntiCorruption
We must deal a corrupt system, not just a person who abused it
MPs must match their justified outrage over Peter Mandelson with meaningful action to break the link between wealth, power, and access.
www.politicshome.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:28 PM
'We must deal with a corrupt system, not just a person who abused it' @duncanhames.bsky.social, @transparencyuk.bsky.social
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
#UKPolitics #AntiCorruption
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
#UKPolitics #AntiCorruption
Reposted by Duncan Hames
📻 "This whole saga will reinforce public concerns that those with money also have privileged access to power and use that in their own interests."
Earlier today @duncanhames.bsky.social told @lbc.co.uk how the Mandelson scandal shows action is needed on money and influence in our politics.
Earlier today @duncanhames.bsky.social told @lbc.co.uk how the Mandelson scandal shows action is needed on money and influence in our politics.
February 3, 2026 at 3:39 PM
📻 "This whole saga will reinforce public concerns that those with money also have privileged access to power and use that in their own interests."
Earlier today @duncanhames.bsky.social told @lbc.co.uk how the Mandelson scandal shows action is needed on money and influence in our politics.
Earlier today @duncanhames.bsky.social told @lbc.co.uk how the Mandelson scandal shows action is needed on money and influence in our politics.
Reposted by Duncan Hames
LISTEN:
Nick Butler, the No 10 adviser whose confidential email to then PM Gordon Brown was forwarded by Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein, tells R4’s PM ‘Peter has let us all down and he should be ashamed of what he’s done’
Nick Butler, the No 10 adviser whose confidential email to then PM Gordon Brown was forwarded by Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein, tells R4’s PM ‘Peter has let us all down and he should be ashamed of what he’s done’
February 2, 2026 at 5:30 PM
LISTEN:
Nick Butler, the No 10 adviser whose confidential email to then PM Gordon Brown was forwarded by Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein, tells R4’s PM ‘Peter has let us all down and he should be ashamed of what he’s done’
Nick Butler, the No 10 adviser whose confidential email to then PM Gordon Brown was forwarded by Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein, tells R4’s PM ‘Peter has let us all down and he should be ashamed of what he’s done’