The Distortion Of Democracy

The UK likes to portray itself as the perfect example of democracy in action, but it is a complete fallacy. Donations to the Conservatives' key marginal and target seats have been provided by David Cameron's exclusive diners' group of top Tory benefactors. 'Fifteen of the Tories' key 40/40 seats "those the party is defending and their top targets" were entirely reliant on the controversial Leader's Group money in 2014, the figures from the Electoral Commission show. Donors can gain access to the exclusive circle by giving £50,000 or more a year to the Conservative Party a year, which wins them access to the Prime Minister and other top Tories over dinner.' (Independent, 21 December) Since the last election, of the £2,638,752 donated directly to the Conservatives' 40/40 seats, £798,120, or 30 per cent, came from organisations or individual members of the Leader's Group. The 40/40 seats are those Mr Cameron's party needs to win to secure an outright majority on 7 May. This influence by the extremely rich distorts democracy. RD