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Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

I wish every success to @duncanhames.bsky.social as he takes up the reigns as Interim Chief Executive.

Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

I am enormously proud of @transparencyuk.bsky.social’s collective impact in turning these multiple challenges and uncertainty into tangible outcomes: laws changed, regulation improved, suspect assets seized, loopholes closed, public accountability for wrongdoing.

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Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Time and again, events have shown that tackling corruption is far from a niche cause in far-flung places; murky Covid contracts, misconduct by those in authority, dirty money in our economy and big money infecting our democracy all happen on our doorstep.

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Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Today marked the end of my 7-year tenure as Chief Executive of @transparencyuk.bsky.social. I will soon join @channel4.bsky.social as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. I am beyond grateful to the TI-UK team for their commitment, expertise, companionship and indefatigable resolve. #AntiCorruption

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Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I was pleased to meet Scotland’s First Minister @johnswinney.bsky.social earlier. Together with @muteswann.bsky.social we discussed his government’s work on an inaugural Scottish Anti-Corruption Strategy and @transparencyuk.bsky.social’s policy recommendations for the process.

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

🗣️"We can't have billionaires treating political parties like they were football clubs" @duncanhames.bsky.social Reform's £72m in pledges from just two crypto-billionaires is a watershed moment. But it's not a new problem. Politics' dependence on the super rich needs to end. More ⤵️

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Robert Saunders @robertsaunders.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

The most fundamental question in politics is: whose support do you need to win and hold power? Is it warlords, aristocrats, empires or "the demos"? If the answer is "billionaires", you are not a democracy but a plutocracy. That's why democracies *must* erect barricades against capture by the rich

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Duncan Hames @duncanhames.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

These short films were not meant to be prophetic. The idea was that we should act to protect our democracy before it is too late:

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

🚨Surge in billionaire money in UK politics hits record high Reports today that two crypto-billionaires have pledged a combined £72million to Reform UK highlight the urgent need for a donations cap. Full statement below ⤵️

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

🆕 New research finds seized assets at risk of not returning to victims At least £9.6m in suspected corrupt Azerbaijani wealth has been kept by the UK instead of returned and a further £64m at risk of the same fate. This suspect money should be returned to its victims. Read Closing the Loop ⤵️

transparency.org.uk

Suspected corrupt wealth in the UK risks never being returned to victims, new research warns

At least £9.6 million already kept by the UK, with a further £64 million in recovered or frozen assets facing same policy problem as cases progress

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Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Reform UK foreign donation allegations: @transparencyuk.bsky.social’s @duncanhames.bsky.social analyses the @channel4news.bsky.social findings with @lbc.co.uk’s @mrjamesob.bsky.social #UKPolitics

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Duncan Hames @duncanhames.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

The conspiracy filmed here replicates other allegations of channelling donations on behalf of family members not permitted to make UK political donations. Those now warrant official investigation.

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

🚨 TI-UK STATEMENT Revelations that Reform officials allegedly plotted to break the law on foreign donations should worry everyone who cares about UK democracy. This story underlines how big money is corrupting UK politics, and the urgent need for a meaningful cap on donations. More ⤵️

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

🔎 Interested in tackling corruption in the defence industry? Our Defence Security team are hiring a Head of Policy to lead our policy work tackling corruption in the global defence sector. 📆 Applications close 25 August Full details ⤵️ www.prospect-us.co.uk/job/195498-h...

prospect-us.co.uk

Head of Policy - Prospectus Recruitment Agency

Transparency International Defence and Security (TI-DS) works towards a transparent, accountable and corruption-free defence sector globally. Part of Transparency International, the world’s leading an...

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

📝RUSSINA LINKED HOUSING IN LONDON DESPITE SANCTIONS Our joint investigation with @theipaper.com uncovered 33 Russian-linked properties in the UK, worth £700m, despite their owners being sanctioned. And many of these properties have direct links to the UK's Overseas Territories. More below ⤵️

inews.co.uk

The 33 properties that show London is still a haven for Putin's dirty money

Sanctions have frozen the mansions of Russia's most notorious oligarchs - but Transparency International has identified 33 more London properties, worth £700m, still hiding in plain sight

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Duncan Hames @duncanhames.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Should political donations be capped at £100,000 per year? @cityam.bsky.social invited me to debate the issue in opposition to the Taxpayers' Alliance. Would you agree with their verdict after the debate? Take a look and judge for yourself:

cityam.com

The Debate: Should political donations be capped at £100,000?

Britain currently has no cap on political donations. Is this freedom, or madness? We hear both sides in this week's Debate.

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Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

4/5 A definition of cronyism is 'the practice of appointing friends, associates, or political allies to... contracts based on personal relationships rather than objective merit.' Despite the inquiry's own findings, the inquiry reports no evidence of cronyism.

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Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

3/5 The inquiry report states at par 6.45: 'The assumption was that offers in the High Priority Lane were credible arose because undue weight was attached to the identity, status and authority of the referrer, rather than any inherent quality of the offer'.

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Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

2/5 It confirmed @transparencyuk.bsky.social’s earlier findings of systemic bias in awarding contracts to those with senior connections to the then Conservative government. In the majority of cases, those making referrals had made no objective assessment of companies' ability to supply usable PPE.

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Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

1/5 The UK Covid 19 Inquiry's report into procurement is stark: the now notorious VIP lane for PPE contracts should never have happened and must never happen again. It contributed to £10bn of taxpayer money being wasted.

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

COVID-19 INQUIRY: VIP LANE INCREASED "RISK OF ABUSE" £10 billion of public money was wasted and five years later, nobody has yet been held to account. It's critical the Government learn the lessons from this and go further to guard against the risk of corruption in future emergencies. More ⤵️

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UK Anti-Corruption Coalition @ukanticorruptioncoalition.org · 14/07/2026

Today's #CovidInquiry report into PPE procurement lays bare one of the most expensive governance failures in modern British history: a botched pandemic procurement response that left frontline workers exposed, weakened the pandemic response and wasted £10 billion of public money.

ukanticorruptioncoalition.org

Covid-19 Inquiry reveals scale of UK pandemic PPE procurement failure — UK Anti-Corruption Coalition

UK Anti-Corruption Coalition says the billions wasted, the VIP Lane, and the near-total lack of accountability must trigger urgent reform before the next crisis  14 July 2026 - The UK Anti-Co...

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Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

This week the UK Covid-19 Inquiry will publish the findings of its much-anticipated Procurement Module. We at @transparencyuk.bsky.social have produced thisfilm to revisit our findings + those of @opencontracting.bsky.social & @spotlightcorruption.org www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlf0...

youtube.com

Behind the Masks: The COVID PPE Scandal Explained

YouTube video by Transparency International UK

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Duncan Hames @duncanhames.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

With MPs set to vote tomorrow to control money in politcs, @guardianheather.bsky.social sums-up the case: "it is wrong in principle, and dangerous in practice, for a new class of mega-donors to bankroll British politics. Donations should be capped; and if Starmer does not act, his successor must."

theguardian.com

UK must cap political donations to stop the rich buying influence | Heather Stewart

If Keir Starmer won’t act then his successor should – by restricting the power of a small group of mega-donors

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Right now, just 4-6% of lobbying has to be declared. The rest happens in the dark. The Ethics and Integrity Commission has just handed ministers a serious blueprint for cleaning up lobbying. A serious, welcome blueprint. Now ministers have to deliver it. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

theguardian.com

All lobbying should be publicly declared in transparency laws shake-up, watchdog says

Ethics and integrity commission chief says overhaul is crucial to help restore trust in standards

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Duncan Hames @duncanhames.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Respect for all those MPs putting the country's democracy before their own interests and the demands of party whips ahead of these debates next Tuesday.

theguardian.com

Labour MPs to rebel on party funding reforms and demand total crypto ban

Exclusive: Call for ministers to tighten bill amid Nigel Farage funding controversies

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

💷 Big money is corrupting our politics The government says democracy is not for sale - but still won't cap what a mega-donor can give. Stella Creasy's amendment would. We're backing her call for a £100,000 cap on all political donations. ⤵️

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Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

It's been an extraordinary privilege to lead the vital work of @transparencyuk.bsky.social for nearly seven years. I am now preparing for a new challenge in an exciting new role at Channel 4 where I take up post in October. www.channel4.com/press/news/c...

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Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Is the UK inching closer to a much needed cap on political donations? "Without it, the wealthiest will still be able to buy influence over our democracy in a way ordinary voters never could." @duncanhames.bsky.social @transparencyuk.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Labour MPs seek cap on political donations

Labour MPs believe a donations cap will be backed by dozens of MPs and likely next prime minister, Andy Burnham.

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

📺Big money is corrupting UK politics. Mega donations are being used by the super rich to get power and influence, too often at the expense of the public interest. We were in Parliament today making the case that it's time for change. More below ⤵️

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

🎬THE MONEY BEHIND OUR POLITICS Big money is corrupting UK politics. And our politics is at records highs with almost £100 million was spent at the previous election. But where does all that money actually come from? More below ⤵️ www.youtube.com/shorts/gUroW...

youtube.com

How to stop dark money corrupting UK politics

YouTube video by Transparency International UK

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

📺 CORRUPTION, NOW STREAMING We've been busy building our video capacity to shine a new light on the corruption we're fighting. Exciting content is coming soon. Corruption is a big story though & sometimes 2 mins doesn't cut it. Follow the story. Subscribe ⤵️ www.youtube.com/@Transparenc...

youtube.com

Dark money is corrupting UK politics | Hidden donations & secret influence

YouTube video by Transparency International UK

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

💥Burnham backs public on donation caps Our polling found ⤵️ 🔹 83% of Brits believe wealthy donors use political donations to buy influence 🔹 Nearly half say they would view more favourably a party that introduced a cap & just 7% would view one less favourably. It's time to end mega donations.

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

🔎 NEW: Almost 1 in 6 peers holds a paid political advisory role that carries a significant lobbying risk. The House of Lords is meant to be a place of independent scrutiny — not a network of political advisers for hire. Our investigation ⤵️ www.transparency.org.uk/news/house-l...

transparency.org.uk

The House of Lords has become a lobbying network for hire

Almost one in six peers holds a political advisory role that presents a significant lobbying risk

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

#PoliticsNotForSale 35% of political donations now come from the ultra-wealthy. When money dominates politics, ordinary people go unheard. And that's why we need your help. Send a postcard today to tell your MP it's time to end big money corrupting our politics. Details ⤵️

politicsnotforsale.mp.tiuk.justpost.cards

#PoliticsNotForSale – Make sure your MP knows that too!

Tell your MP to support caps on political donations and campaign spending.

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

📺 MPs RESPOND TO ILLICIT FINANCE SUMMIT DELAY Corruption is an economic & national security threat. And MPs were clear: The Summit's delay can't slow action. The delay should be used to get our own house in order & lead in the global fight against corruption. Watch below ⤵️

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Transparency International @anticorruption.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

One in five people in Sub-Saharan Africa face corruption when interacting with public services. We helped four communities fight back against land corruption. And win. Read their stories ⬇️ www.transparency.org/en/blog/ille...

transparency.org

From illegal mining to land grabbing: four stories of restoring land…

In Zambia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar and Uganda, communities reclaimed their land rights with the help of Transparency International teams.

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Juliet Swann @muteswann.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Douglas Alexander has apologised for late declaration of a meeting with Global Counsel - as revealed by @transparencyuk.bsky.social and the PM has accepted his apology... assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a2939...

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Duncan Hames @duncanhames.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Well now, this is getting interesting:

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Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

One headline after another reveals the corrupting influence of big money in UK politics - 92% of British voters want a strict cap on donations to political parties. If you're one of them, please send a postcard to your local MP here: #PoliticsNotForSale politicsnotforsale.mp.tiuk.justpost.cards

politicsnotforsale.mp.tiuk.justpost.cards

#PoliticsNotForSale – Make sure your MP knows that too!

Tell your MP to support caps on political donations and campaign spending.

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Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

92% of British voters want a cap on the size of donations to political parties, yet government still stops short of a universal limit. Good to see this challenge put directly to the Prime Minister.

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Duncan Hames @duncanhames.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

"the single most enlightening conversation [he] had in the last month on trade", yet somehow also the meeting to have overlooked. Genuine lobbying transparency in Westminster and Whitehall is long overdue.

bbc.co.uk

Scottish Secretary did not declare meeting with Mandelson's firm

Newly-released files confirm Douglas Alexander met with Global Counsel in summer 2024 but it was not publicly declared until earlier this year.

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Stephen Abbott Pugh @stephenabbottpugh.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Guernsey - and the other UK Crown Dependencies - could face action from the UK if it fails to improve transparency about who owns offshore companies, according to an interview with the UK’s Anti-Corruption Champion, Baroness Margaret Hodge www.bailiwickexpress.com/news-ge/uk-c...

bailiwickexpress.com

UK could act if Guernsey fails to improve transparency, warns anti-corruption chief - Bailiwick Express News Guernsey

Guernsey could face action from the UK if it fails to improve transparency about who owns offshore companies. That’s the message from the UK’s Anti-Corruption Champion, Baroness Margaret Hodge. Barone...

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

This Overseas Territories Day, we celebrate the relationship the UK has with its territories but also acknowledge the challenges. Secrecy in jurisdictions such as the BVI and the Cayman Islands continue to facilitate illicit finance at scale. And it comes with a serious human cost. More below ⤵️

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

🪙Want to know who is lobbying politicians on behalf of the crypto industry? Our Open Access database reveals 166,000+ Westminster & Holyrood meetings with external orgs since 2012. Search by MP, company or topic. Transparency matters. Explore for yourself ⤵️ openaccess.transparency.org.uk

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Daniel Bruce @danieljbruce.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

As an #AntiCorruption campaigner in the UK, I’m often told ‘this couldn’t happen here’ and that corruption is only a problem in ‘far off places’. This embezzlement case, close to the then heart of Scottish govt, proves no country can be complacent.

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

🗣️ “When government transparency is treated as a tick-box exercise, or ignored altogether, this undermines our right to know how decisions are made and leaves room for undue influence." Duncan Hames speaking with Ethan Shone at openDemocracy on why the UK needs to end lobbying behind closed doors.

opendemocracy.net

‘No records’ from meetings between top officials and Mandelson’s lobbying firm

Government failed to declare meeting with top Global Counsel clients, and says no notes were taken at several meetings

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Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

💷 BIG MONEY CORRUPTS UK POLITICS In 2015, £1m+ donations made up just 1% of private political donations. By 2024? They made up more than a third. Today, it was put straight to the PM: the Election's Bill doesn't go far enough. It’s well past time to cap donations & end big money in politics.

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