Duncan Hames
@duncanhames.bsky.social
2.3K followers 1.3K following 200 posts
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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duncanhames.bsky.social
If you think politicians need to spend time listening to people like you, and not a select group of their wealthy donors, this petition has the key.
Add your name to call for a cap on political donations today - and please let your friends know about it too!
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
Reposted by Duncan Hames
ukanticorruptioncoalition.org
🚨🚂 Heading to the the SNP conference this weekend?

Join us at "Can You Keep A Secret?" 🤫🔐

🗓️ Sunday October 12 | 5pm | The Events Complex Aberdeen

➡️ Featuring @emmaharpermsp.bsky.social, Juliet Swann and @margotmollat.bsky.social of @transparencyuk.bsky.social, @theferret.scot's Jamie Mann.
duncanhames.bsky.social
At the global summit for the Open Government Partnership we are welcoming new members including Britain’s @mayorofgm.bsky.social:
Duncan Hames pictured in a busy auditorium at the start of the Open Government Summit. Welcome to OGP new local members including in the United Kingdom: Greater Manchester.
Reposted by Duncan Hames
duncanhames.bsky.social
MPs are supposed to report potential conflicts of interest between their official duties and private financial affairs.
These are rules, not discretionary gestures towards openness.
catneilan.bsky.social
Exclusive: Nigel Farage has not updated his register since May, despite continuing to present his GB News show, record Cameo videos and being a verified X user

Qus are now being asked about the non-registration of his shareholding in GB parent co All Perspectives

observer.co.uk/news/politic...
‘Nine-jobs Nigel’ Farage denies not declaring extra earni...
Roles outside Parliament make Reform leader the highest-earning MP, but register of interests has not been updated since end of May
observer.co.uk
duncanhames.bsky.social
MPs are supposed to report potential conflicts of interest between their official duties and private financial affairs.
These are rules, not discretionary gestures towards openness.
catneilan.bsky.social
Exclusive: Nigel Farage has not updated his register since May, despite continuing to present his GB News show, record Cameo videos and being a verified X user

Qus are now being asked about the non-registration of his shareholding in GB parent co All Perspectives

observer.co.uk/news/politic...
‘Nine-jobs Nigel’ Farage denies not declaring extra earni...
Roles outside Parliament make Reform leader the highest-earning MP, but register of interests has not been updated since end of May
observer.co.uk
duncanhames.bsky.social
Arriving in Liverpool for the Labour Party conference, armed with @spotlightcorruption.org and @transparencyuk.bsky.social polling that shows Reform voters back independence for the Electoral Commission, (even if their man Arron Banks says he wants it scrapped).
UK government urged to restore Electoral Commission’s independence to protect democracy
Oversight of watchdog could be abused by a future authoritarian government, report warns
www.theguardian.com
Reposted by Duncan Hames
Reposted by Duncan Hames
pickardje.bsky.social
this is an extraordinary canary in the coal mine
sundersays.bsky.social
Nathan Gill, Reform's leader in Wales at the last Welsh parliament election, has pled guilty to 8 bribery charges, taking Russian cash while he was one of Nigel Farage’s MEPs to speak in favour of Putin's Russia in that parliament
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reform UK’s ex-leader in Wales Nathan Gill pleads guilty to bribery charges
Gill admits to eight counts of bribery relating to pro-Russia statements made in the European parliament and articles
www.theguardian.com
Reposted by Duncan Hames
appgonacrt.bsky.social
👏 We welcome David Lammy's confirmation that the UK will host an Illicit Finance Summit in 2026.

This is a vital opportunity to strengthen the global fight against kleptocracy — from tackling the networks that enable Russian oligarchs, to ensuring beneficial ownership transparency.
duncanhames.bsky.social
I often find people who like to think is doesn’t happen here…that money in politics is harmless. I have news for you:

Ex-Reform politician admits Russia-linked bribery charges www.bbc.com/news/article...
Ex-Reform UK Wales leader Nathan Gill pleads guilty to bribery charges
Nathan Gill admits eight charges of bribery while being a Member of the European Parliament.
www.bbc.com
duncanhames.bsky.social
So very sad that Ming has gone.
He served with character and wisdom, was kind and so generous with his time for a youngster like me with much to learn. Yet, as a parliamentary intern, I still couldn’t keep up with him on the staircase of 1 Parliament Street when the division bell was ringing!
eddavey.libdems.org.uk
Ming Campbell was a dedicated public servant and a true Liberal giant.

His principled leadership opposing the Iraq War was a mark of his morality, courage and wisdom.

But more than that, he was an incredibly warm and caring friend and colleague.

We will miss him terribly.
duncanhames.bsky.social
Good to see the Deputy PM, David Lammy, promote the UK government's work on illicit finance at the UN General Assembly.
"...we can crack down on illicit finance, a fight we will lead at a UK-hosted summit next year.” www.youtube.com/live/-8k_z0O...
Deputy PM David Lammy delivers address to UN General Assembly 2025 | Watch in full
YouTube video by Sky News
www.youtube.com
duncanhames.bsky.social
Telling officials that reporting rules don't apply to you, doesn't sit easily with claims it was just an 'administrative oversight'.
Good to see @electoralcommission.org.uk pursued this to the point of sanctions, and that Labour Together since 2021 have sought to fully comply with the rules.
Morgan McSweeney under pressure as book revives donations scandal
The Fraud raises questions about Labour Together and its failure to declare thousands in contributions
www.thetimes.com
Reposted by Duncan Hames
josiah.writes.news
Interesting discussion on political funding at Lib Dem conference.

Transparency International point out that South Australia has now banned private donations to political parties for state elections, while federally Australia introduced a £25,000 annual donation cap for the next fed. election.
duncanhames.bsky.social
In Wales, they know all too well the consequences of unlimited calls on private donors to finance political campaigns.
The campaign teams and candidates for deputy leader of @teamlabouruk.bsky.social should take care to avoid the same mistakes. www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politic...
Call for cap on political donations in Wales
Mr Gething spent more than £250,000 on his campaign to be Welsh Labour leader
www.walesonline.co.uk
Reposted by Duncan Hames
petergeoghegan.bsky.social
🔴 More than 30 ex Tory defence ministers and senior civil servants have taken lucrative jobs in the booming defence industry in past year

New @lucasamin.bsky.social investigation on Democracy for Sale raises serious questions about 'revolving door'

democracyforsale.substack.com/p/palantir-a...
Palantir among arms giants snapping up ex-Tory defence ministers
Exclusive: As Trump arrives in Britain, we find a massive "unchecked revolving door" between UK government and defence industry
democracyforsale.substack.com
duncanhames.bsky.social
My colleague @rosewhiff.bsky.social marked international ‘day of democracy’ with this timely suggestion for what we need to do to protect our politics and elections from capture by parties’ ultra-wealthy backers:
duncanhames.bsky.social
Looking forward to returning to Lib Dem conference in Bournemouth next week, this time as a guest of ALDC.
Come along to hear us talk about the dark money in our elections at 1pm next Saturday.
Lib Dem party conference pass and page 49 of the directory featuring ALDC and LGA Lib Dem fringe meeting with Transparency International: Dark Money in Local Elections. Held in the Shaftesbury Suite of the Highcliff Marriott from 1pm-2pm on Saturday 20th September 2025.