James Bolton-Jones @jamesbj.bsky.social · 12/02/2026⏰Last chance to apply for this role which closes at midnight on this coming Saturday (14 Feb)! 000
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 12/02/2026⌛ Just a couple of days left to apply for this tremendous comms role! 🕚 The deadline is 23:30 on Saturday night. 032
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesUK Anti-Corruption Coalition @ukanticorruptioncoalition.org · 08/12/2025🤔 Corruption may seem far away from our normal lives. But it’s actually in our communities, our economy, and our politics too. 🌍 It’s a whole-of-society problem that needs a whole-of-society solution. 🗣️That’s what we’re calling for here at UKACC — and we want you to join us 🫵 11711
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesMargot Mollat @margotmollat.bsky.social · 08/07/2025Nearly every trail of dirty money leads to a shell company in the British Virgin Islands or another UK-linked financial centre. It’s time for the UK to end the corporate secrecy in its Overseas Territories that enables global financial crime. 052
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 01/07/2025👇 Really important story from @byrobdavies.bsky.social on the ongoing failure of British overseas territories to honour their pledges to introduce accessible registers of company ownership – a key tool in the fight against dirty money.theguardian.comBritish overseas territories miss final deadline to crack down on ‘dirty money’Island havens accused of ‘defying the will of parliament’ after failing to initiate corporate transparency measures 2259
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 26/06/2025👇 Great report from our friends at @influencemap.bsky.social on how the UK’s feeble efforts on lobbying transparency have undermined the policy response to one of the world’s most pressing challenges: climate change. 175
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 22/05/2025👀 The Treasury recently published the first report on the Economic Crime Levy (ECL). In our new blog we argue that this new funding mechanism for tackling economic crime has notable strengths but also real limitations.spotlightcorruption.orgThe first Economic Crime Levy report: our analysis - Spotlight on CorruptionThe first report on the Economic Crime Levy (ECL) published by the Treasury demonstrates both the strengths and limitations of this new funding mechanism. 124
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 08/04/2025👇 Great spot by @owenboswarva.bsky.social. We thought this was likely the case but it is nevertheless disappointing to see it confirmed by Cabinet Office Minister @georgiagould.bsky.social yesterday: 224
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 05/03/2025🤔 Not a fan of corruption? ❗Interested in ways to improve trust in politics? 😃 Keen to work alongside our small friendly team? 🫵 You might be the person we're looking for! @spotlightcorruption.org is recruiting a new lead for our work on #DefendingDemocracy Deadline: 16/3/25 More details below 👇spotlightcorruption.orgSpotlight is recruiting! We are looking for a new lead for our Defending Democracy work - Spotlight on CorruptionSpotlight on Corruption has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to lead our work on defending UK democracy, by pushing for reforms that 076
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 27/02/2025✌️ Victory! @spotlightcorruption.org is delighted to see our campaign to give law enforcement agencies greater protection from legal costs when pursuing the assets of deep-pocketed crooks has been successful. The measure has been included in the new Crime Bill announced in Parliament this week 👇.gov.ukCrime and Policing Bill: Proceeds of crime factsheet 11810
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesTransparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 21/02/2025🆕 BLOG 🆕 Keir Starmer's ministerial code promised a new register of ministerial gifts and hospitality. Now, as the first set of transparency records under these new rules are published, Rose Whiffen looks at what has actually been delivered. www.transparency.org.uk/news/promise...transparency.org.ukPromise vs practice: Why Britain's new ministerial gift register misses the markGovernment's attempt to enhance transparency through a new register system leaves much to be desired in both form and function. 153
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 20/02/2025👓 WHAT WE'RE READING – 5 stories from the anti-corruption world 😓 It's been a terrible few weeks but it has produced some brilliant and important writing. 1️⃣ @thetimes.com: A fired-up @edwardlucas.bsky.social calls on the UK to up its anti-corruption game in response to developments in the US.thetimes.comTrump has given kleptocrats the green lightWith the US abandoning the fight against corruption Britain must improve its lacklustre record 173
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesTransparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 21/02/2025✨🔍 NEW 🔍✨ We’ve just added 6000+ new meetings to our Open Access database of Westminster and (now) Holyrood meetings with external organisations. Check out the new data here ⤵️ openaccess.transparency.org.ukopenaccess.transparency.org.ukOpen Access UK: monitor lobbying meetings with in the UKWho’s #lobbying the UK? Check Open Access UK 1136
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 20/02/2025📨 We'll shortly be sending out our latest newsletter, with commentary from @suehawley.bsky.social, our submissions to the spending review and the @legalservicesboard.bsky.social, and a job advert 🫵. ✍️ Sign up at our website if you would like to receive it: www.spotlightcorruption.org/newsletter/ 022
James Bolton-Jones @jamesbj.bsky.social · 14/02/2025📢 Awesome opportunity to join the team at Spotlight on Corruption and work on an incredibly important and interesting topic. Apply via the link below and please share with anyone you think would be a good fit for the role👇 031
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 12/02/2025👏Great to see @mp4stratford.bsky.social sky.social highlighting the urgent need for political finance reforms to protect our democracy from undue influence. We look forward to seeing the details of the Political Donations Bill when it returns to @houseofcommons.parliament.uk 1208
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 05/02/2025📨 Our latest newsletter is winging its way to our subscribers' inboxes right now! 👇 If you are not already a subscriber, click below to see what's on offer. ✍️ And sign up at our website if you would like to receive future editions: www.spotlightcorruption.org/newsletter/mailchi.mpSpotlight on Corruption's latest newsletter is out!Highlights of this month's newsletter include details of our work on political finance and standards in public life; a missed opportunity to improve anti-money laundering regulation of the legal profe... 022
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 05/02/2025📨 We'll shortly be sending out our latest newsletter, packed with great stories about all the work we did in January. ✍️ Sign up at our website if you would like to receive it: www.spotlightcorruption.org/newsletter/ 084
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesPhil Brickell MP @philbrickellmp.bsky.social · 30/01/2025Proper investigation of Abramovich’s tax affairs is essential, particularly in light of concerns that HMRC is failing to use all the tools available to pursue wealthy individuals and companies. It doesn't matter how rich you are - everyone should have to pay their fair share. 3299
James Bolton-Jones @jamesbj.bsky.social · 30/01/2025📢 The latest publication of departmental transparency releases is out today. This will show who the new government has been meeting with in its first months in power… www.gov.uk/search/trans...gov.ukTransparency and freedom of information releasesFind transparency and freedom of information releases from government 075
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 23/01/2025👀 A recent flurry of parliamentary interventions is piling pressure on the UK Government to introduce major reforms to the UK’s political finance rules. While the Govt’s promise to introduce reforms is welcome, there is no time to lose.spotlightcorruption.orgForeign donors: Parliamentary pressure grows for ambitious reforms to the UK’s political finance regime - Spotlight on CorruptionGalvanised by the prospect of foreign donors – including a certain US-based tech billionaire – potentially contributing to UK political parties, over the last 65022
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesAlex Beatty @alexbeatty.bsky.social · 23/01/2025👇 Really good piece from my colleague George on Lord Anderson's new ethics bill. "Steps to bolster the regulation of standards in public life are long overdue. Here is a ready-made Bill to do just that. The govt should ... throw their weight behind this well-considered ... piece of legislation." 097
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesUK Anti-Corruption Coalition @ukanticorruptioncoalition.org · 14/01/2025🚨 Statement 🚨 We have called for the City Minister Tulip Siddiq to relinquish the anti-corruption duties of her role. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... 1/8bbc.co.ukTulip Siddiq urged to step back from anti-corruption dutiesSiddiq, whose role includes tackling corruption in UK financial markets, has been named in an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh. 42217
James Bolton-Jones @jamesbj.bsky.social · 13/01/2025👀 A few things coming up in Parliament this and next week for anyone interested in what the Government should do to reform the UK's Swiss-🧀-style political finance laws. 155
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesBBC Newsnight @bbcnewsnight.bsky.social · 10/01/2025"The UK is so vulnerable to being influenced by money coming in from people like Musk into our political system because we don't have any checks and balances." Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas discusses Musk and British politics. #Newsnight 38486144
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 19/12/2024👏 We’re delighted to see @electoralcommission.org.uk throw its weight behind our long-standing call for political parties to introduce ‘know your donor’ policies, in this great @theguardian.com interview by @pippacrerar.bsky.social.theguardian.comStarmer urged to change donation rules amid talk of Musk bankrolling ReformExclusive: Electoral Commission wants law changed amid concern over Elon Musk’s plan to donate to Reform UK 23513
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesJosiah Mortimer @josiahmortimer.bsky.social · 19/12/20242026 seems too late to close the loopholes allowing foreign funding of UK political parties It's not like the warnings are new - this has been a longstanding call of almost every leading democracy/transparency group in the UK 58825
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 19/12/2024Super comment piece in today’s @thetimes.com Law section by former Chief Crown Prosecutor Andrew Penhale on the impact that the crisis in the UK criminal justice system is having on economic crime cases.thetimes.comHow to tackle economic crime? Here’s a Christmas wish listIncentivising early guilty pleas and improving the use of technology would help ministers in their mission to fight corruption 31010
James Bolton-Jones @jamesbj.bsky.social · 19/12/2024🎯Brilliant to have someone with so much on the ground experience in Andrew Penhale (ex Chief Crown Prosecutor) give his expert take on how to tackle huge delays in economic crime and #corruption cases. Adopting his recommendations should also help ease pressure on the wider court system. 011
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 18/12/2024👍 Great to see the UK government highlight its plans to make further use of #anti-corruption sanctions and review #sanctions enforcement.questions-statements.parliament.ukWritten statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK ParliamentInformation from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports. 152
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 17/12/2024🆕 In a major #openjustice victory, earlier today @spotlightcorruption.org won the right to publish the transcripts and Court documents from a major corruption trial that highlighted UK government complicity with a foreign bribery scheme.spotlightcorruption.orgOpen justice: Spotlight wins right to publish documents from major UK corruption trial - Spotlight on CorruptionToday, in an important ruling with wider implications for open justice, Spotlight on Corruption won the right to publish the transcripts and Court documents 1158
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 16/12/2024🆕 Last week’s announcement of anti-corruption #sanctions against key figures in a gold-smuggling ring targeting Southern Africa has been welcomed by our partners AfriCOG, @cifar.bsky.social, TI Zimbabwe & the International Lawyers Project. Here’s our joint statement on why these sanctions matter:spotlightcorruption.orgPartners respond to UK’s latest anti-corruption sanctions designations - Spotlight on CorruptionOn 9th December, the UK put three new individuals on the UK’s Anti-Corruption Sanctions list. 046
James Bolton-Jones @jamesbj.bsky.social · 12/12/2024👀 it will be very interesting to see which cases this new unit investigates 053
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesChartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) @cipr.co.uk · 12/12/2024We're pleased to support @spotlightcorruption.org's important work examining government progress on lobbying reform. Their findings show why action is needed to enhance transparency in lobbying and restore trust in our democratic institutions. 086
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 10/12/2024📹 Our Executive Director @suehawley.bsky.social welcomes the appointment of Baroness Hodge as the UK's new #Anti-CorruptionChampion. And she calls for 2️⃣ essential initiatives: 1️⃣ greater investment in our law enforcement agencies, and 2️⃣ a full suite of reforms to improve standards in public life. 2155
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesAdam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · 05/12/2024Elon Musk’s $100m threat to bankroll Nigel Farage exposes these gaping loopholes endangering UK democracy bylinetimes.com/2024/12/05/e...bylinetimes.comElon Musk's $100m Threat to Bankroll Nigel Farage and Reform Exposes the Gaping Loopholes Endangering UK DemocracyKeir Starmer is being urged to act now to prevent foreign billionaires from exploiting these gaps in our electoral system 27576208
James Bolton-Jones @jamesbj.bsky.social · 02/12/2024This is a corker of a thread about an incredibly important issue (if I don’t say so myself)👇 083
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 02/12/2024We join our colleagues at @transparencyuk.bsky.social in calling for ambitious electoral finance reform. It must be an urgent priority for the government to bring forward a new Elections Bill that 👉 tackles the loopholes in election laws and 👉 bolsters UK defences against foreign influence (a 🧵) 21918
James Bolton-Jones @jamesbj.bsky.social · 30/11/2024Really important story 👇 www.theguardian.com/business/202...theguardian.comMoney trail: questions over deposed Bangladeshi elite’s £400m UK property empireAssociates of former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina have spent millions buying up top-flight property assets in the UK 010
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 29/11/2024🕟 Late yesterday afternoon the government slipped out the latest tranche of departmental #lobbying #transparency data. But even careful readers won't be much the wiser. 👇 Here's @spotlightcorruption.org's take on why the current system is not fit for purpose and what needs to happen to fix it.spotlightcorruption.orgClear as mud: The UK’s lobbying transparency deficit - Spotlight on CorruptionLast night the government’s latest departmental lobbying transparency data dropped – two months late. So late in fact that the content is primarily of 089
James Bolton-Jones @jamesbj.bsky.social · 28/11/2024📢 Really pleased to see @philbrickellmp.bsky.social draw on research from @spotlightcorruption.org in his speech in Parliament yesterday. 010
James Bolton-Jones @jamesbj.bsky.social · 27/11/2024👀 Great round up of top corruption-related stories on our radar from my fab colleague @alexbeatty.bsky.social 011
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesDavid Anderson @bricksilk.bsky.social · 21/11/2024Are there constitutional principles (civil service, delegated legislation, watchdogs?) that could usefully be put into statute? Yesterday's discussion with Ministers Pat McFadden and Nick Thomas-Symonds is from 11:23:25 to 11:35:05 (no transcript yet): www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/....parliamentlive.tvParliamentlive.tvConstitution Committee 295
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 14/11/2024Great to see @joepowell.bsky.social raise the importance of the Serious Fraud Office continuing to prioritise foreign #bribery cases – and even better to see Solicitor General Sarah Sackman confirming that the SFO is working “incredibly hard in this area”. 1127
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 05/11/2024🆕 After the Autumn budget offered small change for tackling economic crime, more resourcing for economic crime fighting agencies is urgently needed, says a new report from @spotlightcorruption.org.spotlightcorruption.orgSpotlight calls for Economic Crime Fighting Fund, after budget small change - Spotlight on CorruptionThe government should reinvest criminal assets and fines into an innovative new Economic Crime Fighting Fund to turbocharge enforcement after the Autumn 146
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 05/11/2024The government should reinvest criminal assets and fines into an innovative new Economic Crime Fighting Fund to turbocharge enforcement, says @jamesbj.bsky.social. 012
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesUK Anti-Corruption Coalition @ukanticorruptioncoalition.org · 03/10/2024🚨📽️🗣️🔷 In our last party conference video of 2024, James Bolton Jones of @spotlightcorruption.org talks about his panel discussion with Dr Maria Nizzero of @rusi.bsky.social, the Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP and Sir David Davis MP. 💡 They had a great exchange about fixing the UK's dirty money problem... 113
Reposted by James Bolton-JonesSpotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 12/11/2024Today the wife of Russian oligarch German Khan is asking the Court of Appeal to overturn #sanctions against her in a key case that challenges the UK’s approach to targeting family members & associates with sanctions. 👇 Here’s our take on why this case matters:spotlightcorruption.orgAnzhelika Khan: Wife of Russian oligarch fails to shake off sanctions - Spotlight on CorruptionSummary In early 2024, the Russian-born British citizen Anzhelika Khan took the government to court for targeting her with sanctions on the basis of her association with her husband, the... 142