Peter Geoghegan is right to be pessimistic about the likelihood of rapid change away from dodgy donations for political parties (British political giving is increasingly dominated by the rich – it’s a system ripe for abuse, 10 July). He states that “our electoral law is outdated, with loopholes so large they could be seen from space”. Therein lies the real problem: our whole system was designed before anyone could look down from above.
Political parties and institutions were mostly established in previous centuries. Limited reforms have been corrupted. Now, most in power adopt protectionist approaches to suit themselves rather than new needs. Why, for example, should we even still accept that it is right to pay an individual subscription to be a member of any party seeking to legislate, then argue over who is expelled if views do not absolutely coincide with current leaderships?
But much can be changed. Solutions can be taken out of the grip of those with most vested interests. We have the independent Electoral Commission. Its constant tracker of public attitudes shows a majority think political funding should be reformed and regulated. That will sadly not happen in this turbulent pre-election year. But 2030 would be a good target, coinciding with UN sustainable development goals, for the Electoral Commission to bring forward root and branch reforms of the way we run our political system, considering the best 21st-century global examples and thinking. That will only happen if we – the public – demand it from beyond traditional barriers.
Clive Needle
Rowhedge, Essex
