The SHA and indeed Labour members have long been concerned about the influence of corporate lobbysts in politics. In 2022 Labour Conference took the position in support of a SHA motion to “not accept donations from companies interestied in outsourcing NHS functions”.
The SHA now proposes a rule change to tighten this requirement and, we hope, make it enforcable.
Current Labour Rule Book https://labour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Rule-Book-2025.pdf
Chapter 5 Selections, rights and responsibilities of candidates for elected public office
Clause II. Rights and responsibilities of elected members
Sub clause 3. Members of Westminster Parliament
A. General.
Labour MPs are expected to meet the highest standards of probity and to take a lead in the Party’s campaigning and community engagement work both locally and nationally.
While our affiliates will quite properly donate money, resources and loans to MPs, unaffiliated corporate donation of money, resources and loans to MPs will not be accepted. Donations accepted from individuals must not exceed the amount set for declaration under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 rules.
This will be debated and voted on at a future conference.