Starmer could introduce new law to block Musk from donating to Reform, minister says

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sir Keir Starmer could introduce a new law to block Elon Musk from donating to Reform UK, a minister has suggested, saying the government will make sure the electoral system is protected from “many of the new issues that face undermining our democracy”. open image in gallery Elon Musk is said to be considering donating $100m to Reform UK “We have no immediate plans to do but we do have a manifesto commitment to look more broadly at our elections regime in the country, from things like votes at 16, which we are committed to, but also to make sure that our electoral system has got that integrity and is robust from many of the new issues that face undermining our democracy and our elections”, she told Sky News. “But just to be clear, foreign donations to UK-based political parties is prohibited under current law, so that’s something that already exists.” Pressed on whether a new law could be introduced during this session of parliament, Ms Powell said: “Well, we are committed to bringing forward some changes to the way in which elections are run in this country, there will be an elections bill – probably in the next parliamentary session – but obviously, we’ve not made those decisions yet. “And our manifesto also said that we would look at other issues to make sure that our elections in this country are fair or robust, many of the issues that are undermining our democracy at the moment – like mis- and disinformation, foreign state actions and so on, and making sure that the issues around donations are also fair and robust as well.” open image in gallery Musk met Reform UK treasurer Nick Candy and party leader Nigel Farage at Mar-a-Lago last week Asked earlier this month about the reports by ITV of the massive donation, Mr Musk denied he was planning to donate $100m, but his response did not rule out another amount.