Duncan Hames
@duncanhames.bsky.social
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.
Pinned
Today, a Biritsh former MEP will be sentenced, having admitted eight counts of bribery, in a case investigated by the Met Police's Counter Terrorism Command.
Russian attempts to bribe our politicians are sadly no fiction.
Follow for the latest reaction today: www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Russian attempts to bribe our politicians are sadly no fiction.
Follow for the latest reaction today: www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Nathan Gill sentenced for taking pro-Russian bribes
Former leader of Reform UK and UKIP in Wales, Nathan Gill, pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery after he received payment in return for making statements in favour of pro-Russian media outlets in...
www.walesonline.co.uk
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb has sentenced Nathan Gill to 10 years six months imprisonment, for 8 counts of bribery.
He will serve more than 5 years in prison before being eligible for parole. Her remarks made clear how very seriously she considered his offending.
He will serve more than 5 years in prison before being eligible for parole. Her remarks made clear how very seriously she considered his offending.
Reposted by Duncan Hames
“The sentencing of Nathan Gill shows how agents acting on behalf of [hostile powers] have attempted to corrupt our democratic processes... The threat is real, and we urgently need to take action to defend against it.”
— Transparency International UK policy director @duncanhames.bsky.social
— Transparency International UK policy director @duncanhames.bsky.social
November 21, 2025 at 2:36 PM
“The sentencing of Nathan Gill shows how agents acting on behalf of [hostile powers] have attempted to corrupt our democratic processes... The threat is real, and we urgently need to take action to defend against it.”
— Transparency International UK policy director @duncanhames.bsky.social
— Transparency International UK policy director @duncanhames.bsky.social
Reposted by Duncan Hames
🗣️ Today "underscores the very real danger that hostile states and their proxies pose to our democratic processes, and the relatively small amounts of money it took to gain influence within our political system."
Our full statement on Nathan Gill's sentence ⤵
www.transparency.org.uk/news/105-yea...
Our full statement on Nathan Gill's sentence ⤵
www.transparency.org.uk/news/105-yea...
10.5-year sentence for Nathan Gill shows "real and urgent" threat of foreign interference
www.transparency.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 1:22 PM
🗣️ Today "underscores the very real danger that hostile states and their proxies pose to our democratic processes, and the relatively small amounts of money it took to gain influence within our political system."
Our full statement on Nathan Gill's sentence ⤵
www.transparency.org.uk/news/105-yea...
Our full statement on Nathan Gill's sentence ⤵
www.transparency.org.uk/news/105-yea...
Reposted by Duncan Hames
Foreign influence in British politics is real
And it requires serious changes in our electoral law - as I told Parliament last week
Will this now happen?
youtu.be/wBTUjm5fx8A?...
And it requires serious changes in our electoral law - as I told Parliament last week
Will this now happen?
youtu.be/wBTUjm5fx8A?...
November 21, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Foreign influence in British politics is real
And it requires serious changes in our electoral law - as I told Parliament last week
Will this now happen?
youtu.be/wBTUjm5fx8A?...
And it requires serious changes in our electoral law - as I told Parliament last week
Will this now happen?
youtu.be/wBTUjm5fx8A?...
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb has sentenced Nathan Gill to 10 years six months imprisonment, for 8 counts of bribery.
He will serve more than 5 years in prison before being eligible for parole. Her remarks made clear how very seriously she considered his offending.
He will serve more than 5 years in prison before being eligible for parole. Her remarks made clear how very seriously she considered his offending.
Today, a Biritsh former MEP will be sentenced, having admitted eight counts of bribery, in a case investigated by the Met Police's Counter Terrorism Command.
Russian attempts to bribe our politicians are sadly no fiction.
Follow for the latest reaction today: www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Russian attempts to bribe our politicians are sadly no fiction.
Follow for the latest reaction today: www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Nathan Gill sentenced for taking pro-Russian bribes
Former leader of Reform UK and UKIP in Wales, Nathan Gill, pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery after he received payment in return for making statements in favour of pro-Russian media outlets in...
www.walesonline.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb has sentenced Nathan Gill to 10 years six months imprisonment, for 8 counts of bribery.
He will serve more than 5 years in prison before being eligible for parole. Her remarks made clear how very seriously she considered his offending.
He will serve more than 5 years in prison before being eligible for parole. Her remarks made clear how very seriously she considered his offending.
Watch Live on @news.sky.com: Sentencing of Nathan Gill for 8 counts of bribery.
news.sky.com/story/politi...
news.sky.com/story/politi...
Politics latest: Ex-Reform leader in Wales to be sentenced for accepting Russian bribes
The former leader of Reform in Wales is facing jail after admitting making pro-Russian statements in the European Parliament for cash. Nathan Gill will be sentenced shortly at the Old Bailey after pre...
news.sky.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Watch Live on @news.sky.com: Sentencing of Nathan Gill for 8 counts of bribery.
news.sky.com/story/politi...
news.sky.com/story/politi...
Today, a Biritsh former MEP will be sentenced, having admitted eight counts of bribery, in a case investigated by the Met Police's Counter Terrorism Command.
Russian attempts to bribe our politicians are sadly no fiction.
Follow for the latest reaction today: www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Russian attempts to bribe our politicians are sadly no fiction.
Follow for the latest reaction today: www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Nathan Gill sentenced for taking pro-Russian bribes
Former leader of Reform UK and UKIP in Wales, Nathan Gill, pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery after he received payment in return for making statements in favour of pro-Russian media outlets in...
www.walesonline.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Today, a Biritsh former MEP will be sentenced, having admitted eight counts of bribery, in a case investigated by the Met Police's Counter Terrorism Command.
Russian attempts to bribe our politicians are sadly no fiction.
Follow for the latest reaction today: www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Russian attempts to bribe our politicians are sadly no fiction.
Follow for the latest reaction today: www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-n...
Reposted by Duncan Hames
🚨🚨 Boss behind £255m PPE deal arrested over missing tax millions
Tim Horlick’s Ayanda Capital won the contract in 2020 despite having no history of manufacturing protective gear
Belter from Gabriel Pogrund 💥⤵️
www.thetimes.com/article/9604...
Tim Horlick’s Ayanda Capital won the contract in 2020 despite having no history of manufacturing protective gear
Belter from Gabriel Pogrund 💥⤵️
www.thetimes.com/article/9604...
November 8, 2025 at 9:07 PM
🚨🚨 Boss behind £255m PPE deal arrested over missing tax millions
Tim Horlick’s Ayanda Capital won the contract in 2020 despite having no history of manufacturing protective gear
Belter from Gabriel Pogrund 💥⤵️
www.thetimes.com/article/9604...
Tim Horlick’s Ayanda Capital won the contract in 2020 despite having no history of manufacturing protective gear
Belter from Gabriel Pogrund 💥⤵️
www.thetimes.com/article/9604...
Reposted by Duncan Hames
🗣️ Yesterday, MPs of all stripes spoke out against the ongoing financial secrecy in certain UK Overseas Territories. They called urgent attention to its devastating impacts on their constituents, and pushed the government to act.
🧵⬇️
🧵⬇️
November 6, 2025 at 10:43 AM
🗣️ Yesterday, MPs of all stripes spoke out against the ongoing financial secrecy in certain UK Overseas Territories. They called urgent attention to its devastating impacts on their constituents, and pushed the government to act.
🧵⬇️
🧵⬇️
Reposted by Duncan Hames
Civilians must be protected amid escalating RSF attacks in Kordofan region:
www.amnesty.org/en/latest/ne...
www.amnesty.org/en/latest/ne...
Civilians must be protected from attacks in Sudan's Kordofan region
The world cannot continue to turn its back on civilians in Sudan
www.amnesty.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Civilians must be protected amid escalating RSF attacks in Kordofan region:
www.amnesty.org/en/latest/ne...
www.amnesty.org/en/latest/ne...
Reposted by Duncan Hames
💥 BREAKING 💥
Scottish Government commits to anti-corruption strategy with improved transparency of trust structures (as proposed by Rhoda Grant in parliament).
This is an important commitment that will help prevent kleptocrats and oligarchs investing their ill-gotten gains in Scottish property.
Scottish Government commits to anti-corruption strategy with improved transparency of trust structures (as proposed by Rhoda Grant in parliament).
This is an important commitment that will help prevent kleptocrats and oligarchs investing their ill-gotten gains in Scottish property.
November 4, 2025 at 8:22 PM
💥 BREAKING 💥
Scottish Government commits to anti-corruption strategy with improved transparency of trust structures (as proposed by Rhoda Grant in parliament).
This is an important commitment that will help prevent kleptocrats and oligarchs investing their ill-gotten gains in Scottish property.
Scottish Government commits to anti-corruption strategy with improved transparency of trust structures (as proposed by Rhoda Grant in parliament).
This is an important commitment that will help prevent kleptocrats and oligarchs investing their ill-gotten gains in Scottish property.
Reposted by Duncan Hames
🆕 Important progress on corporate transparency
Increased Companies House fees will fund enhanced enforcement under the Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency Act, giving authorities the tools needed to crack down on suspicious shell companies.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Increased Companies House fees will fund enhanced enforcement under the Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency Act, giving authorities the tools needed to crack down on suspicious shell companies.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Companies House fees are changing from 1 February 2026
We review our fees every year to make sure they’re set at the right level and reflect the cost of delivering our services.
www.gov.uk
October 31, 2025 at 10:47 AM
🆕 Important progress on corporate transparency
Increased Companies House fees will fund enhanced enforcement under the Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency Act, giving authorities the tools needed to crack down on suspicious shell companies.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Increased Companies House fees will fund enhanced enforcement under the Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency Act, giving authorities the tools needed to crack down on suspicious shell companies.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
It might not make the ‘6’ tonight, but in our world this is big news.
Very welcome reforms that address a key weakness in Britain’s defences against dirty money entering our economy.
This puts the government firmly on the front foot ahead of next year’s international illicit finance summit. 👏
Very welcome reforms that address a key weakness in Britain’s defences against dirty money entering our economy.
This puts the government firmly on the front foot ahead of next year’s international illicit finance summit. 👏
💷 "These reforms are long overdue and present a welcome step towards fixing the UK’s broken system for tackling dirty money."
Read our full response to the Government’s decision to overhaul the policing of anti-money laundering rules in the private sector ⤵️
www.transparency.org.uk/news/transpa...
Read our full response to the Government’s decision to overhaul the policing of anti-money laundering rules in the private sector ⤵️
www.transparency.org.uk/news/transpa...
Transparency International UK welcomes major step to strengthen Britain’s defences against dirty money
www.transparency.org.uk
October 21, 2025 at 3:38 PM
It might not make the ‘6’ tonight, but in our world this is big news.
Very welcome reforms that address a key weakness in Britain’s defences against dirty money entering our economy.
This puts the government firmly on the front foot ahead of next year’s international illicit finance summit. 👏
Very welcome reforms that address a key weakness in Britain’s defences against dirty money entering our economy.
This puts the government firmly on the front foot ahead of next year’s international illicit finance summit. 👏
Reposted by Duncan Hames
WATCH: Kemi Badenoch wants to put another multi-million pound Conservative Party donor in the House of Lords.
Keir Starmer should stop her.
Keir Starmer should stop her.
💷 2013 - 2023: Nearly 25% of political House of Lords nominations were party donors, giving £58m+ collectively.
At our event with @spotlightcorruption.org at Labour Conference, @duncanhames.bsky.social set out why big money's influence on UK democracy is damaging the public's trust.
Watch more ⬇️
At our event with @spotlightcorruption.org at Labour Conference, @duncanhames.bsky.social set out why big money's influence on UK democracy is damaging the public's trust.
Watch more ⬇️
October 18, 2025 at 9:51 AM
WATCH: Kemi Badenoch wants to put another multi-million pound Conservative Party donor in the House of Lords.
Keir Starmer should stop her.
Keir Starmer should stop her.
WATCH: Kemi Badenoch wants to put another multi-million pound Conservative Party donor in the House of Lords.
Keir Starmer should stop her.
Keir Starmer should stop her.
💷 2013 - 2023: Nearly 25% of political House of Lords nominations were party donors, giving £58m+ collectively.
At our event with @spotlightcorruption.org at Labour Conference, @duncanhames.bsky.social set out why big money's influence on UK democracy is damaging the public's trust.
Watch more ⬇️
At our event with @spotlightcorruption.org at Labour Conference, @duncanhames.bsky.social set out why big money's influence on UK democracy is damaging the public's trust.
Watch more ⬇️
October 18, 2025 at 9:51 AM
WATCH: Kemi Badenoch wants to put another multi-million pound Conservative Party donor in the House of Lords.
Keir Starmer should stop her.
Keir Starmer should stop her.
Reposted by Duncan Hames
💷 2013 - 2023: Nearly 25% of political House of Lords nominations were party donors, giving £58m+ collectively.
At our event with @spotlightcorruption.org at Labour Conference, @duncanhames.bsky.social set out why big money's influence on UK democracy is damaging the public's trust.
Watch more ⬇️
At our event with @spotlightcorruption.org at Labour Conference, @duncanhames.bsky.social set out why big money's influence on UK democracy is damaging the public's trust.
Watch more ⬇️
October 18, 2025 at 8:10 AM
💷 2013 - 2023: Nearly 25% of political House of Lords nominations were party donors, giving £58m+ collectively.
At our event with @spotlightcorruption.org at Labour Conference, @duncanhames.bsky.social set out why big money's influence on UK democracy is damaging the public's trust.
Watch more ⬇️
At our event with @spotlightcorruption.org at Labour Conference, @duncanhames.bsky.social set out why big money's influence on UK democracy is damaging the public's trust.
Watch more ⬇️
Reposted by Duncan Hames
"While it's encouraging to see Reform UK taking its compliance with political finance law seriously, these findings show that concerns over ineligible donors seeking to influence our politics are real and justified."
www.ft.com/content/5392...
www.ft.com/content/5392...
Reform UK forced to reject slew of unlawful donations
Eleven of the returned contributions were made by people living overseas
www.ft.com
October 16, 2025 at 6:47 AM
"While it's encouraging to see Reform UK taking its compliance with political finance law seriously, these findings show that concerns over ineligible donors seeking to influence our politics are real and justified."
www.ft.com/content/5392...
www.ft.com/content/5392...
Reposted by Duncan Hames
At SNP Conference we hosted a packed fringe with @theferret.scot on land ownership transparency in Scotland.
We looked at offshore ownership and whether current rules are working.
Watch @muteswann.bsky.social share key takeaways from the event.
We looked at offshore ownership and whether current rules are working.
Watch @muteswann.bsky.social share key takeaways from the event.
October 15, 2025 at 4:28 PM
At SNP Conference we hosted a packed fringe with @theferret.scot on land ownership transparency in Scotland.
We looked at offshore ownership and whether current rules are working.
Watch @muteswann.bsky.social share key takeaways from the event.
We looked at offshore ownership and whether current rules are working.
Watch @muteswann.bsky.social share key takeaways from the event.
I don’t often ask, but we could use your help, please. Donations to support our work won’t get you a peerage, but will be matched by generous supporters if you can join them in our Big Give campaign this week. Thank you!
🚨 Just 19 donors provided 66% of UK political donations in 2023 - pumping £56.5 million into our politics.
We're campaigning to:
✅ Cap donations
✅ Reduce spending limits
✅ Close foreign interference loopholes
Every donation DOUBLED for 30 days ⤵️
donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...
We're campaigning to:
✅ Cap donations
✅ Reduce spending limits
✅ Close foreign interference loopholes
Every donation DOUBLED for 30 days ⤵️
donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...
Breaking Big Money’s Grip on Politics – Big Give
In 2023 66% of donations to political parties came from just 19 donors. Increasingly, our politics is funded by a small number of super donors. We seek support to make sure those with the deepest poc...
donate.biggive.org
October 15, 2025 at 1:39 PM
I don’t often ask, but we could use your help, please. Donations to support our work won’t get you a peerage, but will be matched by generous supporters if you can join them in our Big Give campaign this week. Thank you!
Reposted by Duncan Hames
At 5pm! Join us!
Today! At #SNP25
Can you keep a secret?
🏰 Tackling hidden ownership of Scotland’s assets
📍Room 8, TECA
☕️ Tea and coffee
🍷 Drinks
🧀 Cheese platter
Can you keep a secret?
🏰 Tackling hidden ownership of Scotland’s assets
📍Room 8, TECA
☕️ Tea and coffee
🍷 Drinks
🧀 Cheese platter
October 12, 2025 at 2:57 PM
At 5pm! Join us!
Reposted by Duncan Hames
With Farage’s former colleague Nathan Gill guilty of taking money from Russia to promote its propaganda Sam looks at the wider connections between the radical right and Russia. (£/free trial), samf.substack.com/p/russia-and...
Russia and the rise of the radical right
Marine Le Pen meets with Putin before the 2017 French Presidential election (Photo credit Mikhail Klimentyev/AFP via Getty Images)
samf.substack.com
October 12, 2025 at 9:12 AM
With Farage’s former colleague Nathan Gill guilty of taking money from Russia to promote its propaganda Sam looks at the wider connections between the radical right and Russia. (£/free trial), samf.substack.com/p/russia-and...
Reposted by Duncan Hames
Planning your time at #SNP25? Join us to talk secret land owners and discuss how to open up land registers at 5pm tomorrow.
www.transparency.org.uk/events/can-y...
www.transparency.org.uk/events/can-y...
October 11, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Planning your time at #SNP25? Join us to talk secret land owners and discuss how to open up land registers at 5pm tomorrow.
www.transparency.org.uk/events/can-y...
www.transparency.org.uk/events/can-y...
Reposted by Duncan Hames
“There appear to be very few levers the government has available to recover anything close to the £122m…. The whole case stands as a further indictment of the ‘VIP lane’ & the flawed, wasteful procurement of PPE during the pandemic.”
@transparencyuk.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
@transparencyuk.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
Will UK taxpayers get their £122m back from PPE Medpro?
The high court told the company linked to Michelle Mone to pay up over the supply of defective gowns, but there appears no clear route to reclaim the funds
www.theguardian.com
October 11, 2025 at 8:49 AM
“There appear to be very few levers the government has available to recover anything close to the £122m…. The whole case stands as a further indictment of the ‘VIP lane’ & the flawed, wasteful procurement of PPE during the pandemic.”
@transparencyuk.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
@transparencyuk.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
If the former PM is really needed in support of Ukraine, it would be far better that he conduct business as an envoy of the UK government, instead of alongside his most generous and private donor.
*EXCLUSIVE* The Guardian investigations team's Boris Files have revealed the former prime minister’s money-making ventures from Caracas to Saudi Arabia. Today we ask a new question: Why did Boris Johnson take the man who gave him £1m to Ukraine? www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
The £1m man: Why did Boris Johnson take his donor to Ukraine?
Exclusive: Leaked files offer a glimpse of the ex-prime minister’s relationship with Christopher Harborne
www.theguardian.com
October 10, 2025 at 4:01 PM
If the former PM is really needed in support of Ukraine, it would be far better that he conduct business as an envoy of the UK government, instead of alongside his most generous and private donor.
ACOBA’ Will soon be gone. It was never a ‘watchdog’. The whole edifice is one huge raft of gentlemen’s agreements, which no-one manages to hold them to.
BBC: Sunak joins Microsoft and AI firm as paid adviser www.bbc.com/news/article...
BBC: Sunak joins Microsoft and AI firm as paid adviser www.bbc.com/news/article...
Rishi Sunak hired by Microsoft and Anthropic as paid adviser
The former prime minister has been told not to lobby the UK government by the appointments watchdog.
www.bbc.com
October 10, 2025 at 7:35 AM
ACOBA’ Will soon be gone. It was never a ‘watchdog’. The whole edifice is one huge raft of gentlemen’s agreements, which no-one manages to hold them to.
BBC: Sunak joins Microsoft and AI firm as paid adviser www.bbc.com/news/article...
BBC: Sunak joins Microsoft and AI firm as paid adviser www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Duncan Hames
🚨🚂 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.
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.
October 9, 2025 at 2:53 PM
🚨🚂 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.
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.